Ghana: Fidelity Bank resolves water crisis at police training school

Fidelity Bank Ghana, the country’s largest privately-owned bank, has completed the construction of a mechanized borehole for the Police Public Safety Training School (PPSTS) in Pwalugu, Upper East Region. This initiative ensures a sustainable and dependable source of clean water for the officers and the surrounding community.

For over ten years, the Police Public Safety Training School (PPSTS) has faced water scarcity challenges, adversely affecting the daily lives of its personnel and impeding operational effectiveness. Despite previous efforts by different organizations to address the issue, locating a suitable water source within the community remained elusive for engineers.

Fidelity Bank’s Retail team, supported by a dedicated group of engineers, conducted a comprehensive assessment to address the water scarcity issue at PPSTS. Their efforts surpassed previous attempts, leading to the identification of a water source beyond the school’s immediate vicinity. Through extensive work and investment, a mechanized borehole was constructed, ensuring year-round water availability, including during the dry season.

Chief Superintendent Dr. Wilson Aniagyei, Officer Commanding of the Training School, expressed his sincere gratitude to Fidelity Bank for this impactful intervention, acknowledging the positive impact it will have on the lives of the officers and the community. “We are immensely grateful to Fidelity Bank for their intervention. Water scarcity had been a significant challenge for years. This project has not only solved that problem but also improved our training environment with the kitchen renovation and equipment donation. We are incredibly appreciative of Fidelity Bank’s commitment to supporting our community,” he said.

Harold Ansa, Head of Personal Banking at Fidelity Bank, commended the Retail team for their dedication and commitment to community development, noting the significant positive impact of the initiative on PPSTS and the surrounding community. “At Fidelity Bank, we believe in fostering a positive impact on the communities we serve. We are proud to have addressed the water scarcity issue at the Pwalugu Training School and played a part in improving the learning and living conditions for the future generation of police officers,” he said.

Before the borehole project, the station relied on costly water tanker deliveries, spending approximately GHS 350 per tanker and facing irregular deliveries. The scarcity of water forced personnel to resort to using sachet water for basic hygiene needs. Fidelity Bank’s intervention not only provides a sustainable water solution but also alleviates financial burdens and improves the overall well-being of the station’s personnel.

Alongside the borehole project, Fidelity Bank initiated a thorough renovation effort at PPSTS, enhancing kitchen facilities and supplying essential equipment such as cookers, gas cylinders, dining tables, and benches. These improvements aim to enhance the working and living conditions of station personnel, fostering a conducive environment for productivity and well-being.

This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6, emphasizing universal access to clean water and sanitation. Fidelity Bank’s efforts to address water scarcity at PPSTS contribute to the realization of this global goal, showcasing its commitment to social responsibility and environmental stewardship.