NTHC constructs borehole for Weija Leprosarium
An investment firm, the National Trust Holding Company (NTHC), has constructed a mechanised borehole for patients of the Weija Leprosarium to help alleviate the acute water situation at the centre.
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The borehole, constructed at a cost of GH¢15,000, comes with a 7,000-litre water storage tank.
The project formed part of the corporate social responsibility of the firm as it marked its 40th anniversary.
The acting Managing Director of the NTHC, Mr Francis Apanka, said the project was part of the company’s resolve to assist the vulnerable in society.
According to him, NTHC was not only interested in making returns for its shareholders but also wanted to invest in people and society at large.
He assured the patients of the leprosarium of the company’s commitment to further support the home.
“Beyond providing this borehole, we will also fund any repair work it will require and provide additional assistance. It is our hope that this gesture will help alleviate some of the challenges facing the home,’’ he said.
Appreciation
The Chairman of the Lepers Aid Committee, Rev. Father Andrew Campbell, expressed appreciation to NTHC for the support.
He appealed to other organisations, especially the National Health Insurance Authority, to go to the aid of the patients.
According to him, all the patients had National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cards but the card did not cover most of their medical bills.
As a result, he said, the leprosarium had to raise its own funds to pay most of the medical bills of the patients, a situation which, he said, was putting it under much stress.
Challenges
Rev. Fr Campbell also described the GH¢2.50 feeding grant given to each patients by the government as woefully inadequate.
He explained that due to their conditions, most of the patients were unable to do anything to support themselves and depended entirely on the leprosarium for survival.
“The meagre funds that we are able to raise also go into paying electricity, water and other bills. The leprosarium, therefore, needs immense support,’’ he added.
