The lives of residents in the Yoyah Community of Daru, Kailahun District, have been transformed by the African Development Bank’s PERSIF project. This groundbreaking initiative has successfully constructed a solar-powered water supply system at the Yoyah Community Health Post, heralding a new era of health and safety for the entire community.
For many years, the Yoyah Community Health Post, along with the village residents, relied on rainwater, streams, and rivers for their water needs. This dependency created severe hygiene challenges, compromising the cleanliness of the health facility, medical tools, and overall health of patients and health workers. The situation was particularly dire for women and girls, who undertook long and dangerous journeys to fetch water for laundry, cooking, and drinking. These trips exposed them to numerous risks, including sexual.
The construction of the solar-powered water supply system has brought about a dramatic improvement in the community’s quality of life by reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases and improving overall hygiene standards. The CHP and the community now enjoy access to a reliable and consistent source of clean water supply essential for maintaining hygiene and ensuring the safety of medical procedures.
The health workers at the community health post can now perform their duties more effectively, ensuring better care for patients. The risk of contamination and infection has significantly decreased, contributing to a healthier and safer environment for all. Women and girls no longer need to undertake perilous journeys to fetch water, freeing up their time for education and other productive activities.
The solar-powered water supply system stands as a symbol of resilience and progress. It demonstrates the positive outcomes that can be achieved through thoughtful and targeted infrastructure projects. The PERSIF project has provided a critical resource and instilled a renewed sense of hope and empowerment among the residents of the Yoyah Community.