Xylem Africa, a water technology company based in the United States, in partnership with Manchester City Football Club have inaugurated two water facilities in the English and Arabic School at Dehia and Oguaa Football for Hope Centre, all in the Cape Coast Metropolis of the Central region.
The facilities, which involved water towers over a drilled-well fitted with filtration systems, would support the daily drinking needs of residents in Esikafoabantem and Dehia communities which were the host communities of the beneficiary centre.
It sought to address the challenge of hygiene and the time spent in meeting the water needs of pupils and residents.
It would enable young people to channel the time saved into their education and local activities such as football training provided by Play Soccer Ghana as part of the Water Heroes Academy programme.
The gesture formed part of Xylem Water Heroes Academy, a collaboration between Xylem and Manchester City’s global foundation which seeks to empower young leaders in 10 cities around the world to solve local water challenges using the power of football.
The Strategy and Marketing Manager of Xylem Africa, Chetan Mistry, said the partnership was geared towards empowering young leaders around the world to solve local water challenges using the power of football.
Mr Mistry further said: “We take a lot of inspiration from the positive attitudes and activities of Cape Coast’s people. They work hard to create their futures and also play hard through their passion for football. This tower supports their goals and dreams”.
“At Xylem, we are thrilled to work with Manchester City Football Club and Play Soccer Ghana, and thank our global NGO partner Planet Water for their role in this collaboration”.
The Country Director of Play Soccer Ghana, Franklin Asuo, said, “we at Play Soccer Ghana are happy that thousands of people in Cape Coast, particularly school children, will have access to clean water through these towers.”
He expressed appreciation to Manchester City, Xylem Africa and Planet Water for their commitment in unearthing talents among children.
“There are a lot of talents in Cape Coast and this initiative is an immense contribution to develop such human capital, and to realise more and more children pursuing their passion to the fullest in football.
He added that though the water from the towers was free, they would regulate its usage in order to maintain and sustain them.
For his part, Manchester City legend, Joleon Lescott, explained that it was heart-warming to witness the impact young leaders were making in their communities through the power of football, and to be able to contribute to the building of the water towers, was an incredible experience”.
FROM DAVID O. YARBOI-TETTEH, CAPE COAST
