A link between the two villages has existed since 1997 and efforts have helped to provide a clinic with a generator and medical supplies.  

There was, however, a risk that unless more facilities could be provided the health authorities may have closed the new clinic.  All the good work of previous years could have been undone and the residents of Dominase may have had to make a five and a half hour road journey to the nearest hospital without any proper transport facilities.  

Buriton’s ‘Village-to-Village’ Group helped to avert the closure of the clinic and raised enough money to provide living quarters for a nurse.  

But living conditions in Dominase are still very primitive and unhealthy.  There is no electricity, no running water and only a few boreholes and wells  

The local river, is very dirty and contains the parasitic bilharzia worm which can cause chronic disease and death.   

The Buriton ‘Village-to-Village’ Group’s next aim is, therefore, to help provide a decent supply of clean water.  We have recently encouraged villagers in Dominase to undertake a survey of places where they might be able to find water and to identify some experts who may be able to help them construct wells.  

And money raised in Buriton can help to pay for the materials needed – both for the wells and the pumps required.  It is estimated that £2,000 should enable one hand-dug well to be constructed, lined with concrete rings and fitted with appropriate pumps.  One well will help provide fresh water to about 400 people.  

We hope that the special “will raise much of the remaining money that is needed.  Please take part in the walk if you can – or help the walkers to raise sponsorship.  

In April 2006 members of the ‘Village-to-Village’ Group were able to meet with Rt Revd Daniel Allotey, the Bishop of the Cape Coast Diocese which includes Dominase, when he was visiting Hampshire.  Bishop Daniel thanked the Group and everyone in Buriton who has helped raise money for Dominase.  He hoped that the initiative would continue into the future and explained that, on his return to Ghana, he would help to make sure that efforts are focussed on those places most in need.

"Walk for Water” (a sponsored walk along the South Downs Way from Eastbourne to Buriton which Bernie and Mary Saunders are kindly organising from 23^rd to 30^th September) raised  a considerable sum  for the water project in Dominase.  Many thanks to all who took part or supported it.

More and more people in the parish are offering to help the Village-to-Village Group raise awareness and support for Dominase – which is wonderful.

It is very easy to forget how fortunate we are in this country. Do let us know if you think that you might be able to help in any way.

Contact details

Mary Kelsey (01730 266206)