In April, the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, in collaboration with World Vision Ghana, handed over the Damang Water Supply System to the people of Damang in the Tarkwa Municipality of the Western Region.

The system provides the community with safe and reliable access to sustainable water and comprises newly drilled and rehabilitated boreholes, a 100-cubicmetre reservoir, a solar-powered pumping system, an extensive water distribution network, strategically located standpipes, household connections, and dedicated water supply to schools and healthcare facilities. 

The project was delivered as part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation and World Vision Ghana in 2024 to improve access to safe water, strengthen water governance and promote sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene services within the Damang community. 

The completed water supply system, which has linked over 200 homes to water supply, is expected to benefit thousands of residents by providing reliable access to safe drinking water for households, schools, healthcare facilities and public spaces. It is also expected to contribute to improved public health, strengthen healthcare delivery and reduce the time spent collecting water, particularly for women and children. 

The Executive Secretary of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Abdel-Razak Yakubu, says the project reflects the Foundation's commitment to investing in communities to create lasting social impact.  

"At the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, our goal is to create enduring value for communities through investment that improve lives and contribute to long-term development. The successful completion of the Damang Water Supply System demonstrates what can be achieved through meaningful partnerships with communities and development organisations. We are proud to have partnered with World Vision Ghana to deliver a project that will benefit generations of residents." 

According to the National Director of World Vision Ghana, Tinah Mukunda, access to safe water remains fundamental to improving the well-being of children and families and commended the partnership for delivering a lasting solution for the community. 

"Access to clean water has the power to transform lives. Through our partnership with the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, we are pleased to support a project that will improve health, strengthen livelihoods and create better opportunities for children and families in the Damang community for years to come." 

Beyond the physical infrastructure, the project places strong emphasis on long-term sustainability with governance and training put in place to ensure the community has the capacity to effectively manage and maintain the system for generations to come. 

Expressing appreciation on behalf of the community, Moses Asumaku, Secretary of the local WATSAN Committee, welcomed the successful completion of the project. 

"We are grateful to the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation and World Vision Ghana for responding to one of our community's most urgent needs. This project has significantly improved access to quality water and will make a lasting difference in the lives of our people." 

Traditional leaders, local government representatives, community members and officials from both organisations attended the handover ceremony, reaffirming their shared commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project through strong community ownership and effective local governance. 

The Damang Water Supply System demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when private sector, development partners and communities work together around a shared purpose. More than providing access to safe water, the project reflects Gold Fields commitment to creating enduring value by investing in sustainable development initiatives that improve lives beyond mining.