Residents of Ayetepah and neighboring communities in the Ningo-Prampram District have been facing an acute water crisis that has persisted for over three weeks. This ongoing issue has left numerous neighborhoods, including Kpornya, Mangotsonya, Lotsubuer, Lanor, and Yehowah-Akwer, in a state of desperation and frustration due to their inability to access clean water. The situation is dire; many community members have taken to using untreated water from nearby ponds and streams, sources that are drying up due to a lack of rainfall. The absence of communication and assistance from relevant authorities has intensified residents’ fears and anger, leading some to contemplate boycotting the upcoming elections if no improvements in water supply are seen by December.
The dire water shortage has had a debilitating effect on daily life, impacting schools, businesses, and households alike. Residents, like Joyce Nartey from Mangotsonya, express deep concern over the health risks tied to their current reliance on unsafe water sources. She voiced her frustrations to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), emphasizing that the community is running out of options and feels abandoned. In their quest for water, many have resorted to digging with basic tools like pickaxes, hoes, and mattocks, showcasing the lengths to which residents will go to find a basic necessity. This situation underscores the serious implications of inadequate infrastructure and resource management in the area.
Assembly Member Asideka Noah has acknowledged the ongoing water crisis, characterizing it as a significant and long-standing challenge for the community. He mentioned efforts to enhance the capacity of existing wells and small streams for rainwater harvesting, requesting urgent support from stakeholders. Mr. Noah reported that the Ghana Water Company (GWC) had identified an electrical power supply issue, which has forced them to rely on solar power to pump water. However, this alternative is proving insufficient, as the low pressure has resulted in a complete halt of water distribution for three weeks. His efforts to communicate with the company reveal systemic issues that prevent timely and effective water delivery.
The GWC had implemented a schedule for water distribution, which allowed residents to receive water every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Unfortunately, this system has failed in recent weeks, leaving residents without access to water and hampering daily activities. Mr. Noah has emphasized the urgency for external intervention, appealing to both non-governmental organizations and government agencies for sustainable solutions. The prolonged water crisis serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that many communities face when infrastructure is inadequate, and the fundamental need for a reliable water supply.
With the electoral process approaching, the frustration among residents is palpable, leading to fears that they may take drastic actions, such as boycotting elections, to voice their discontent. This sentiment reflects a growing disenchantment with local governance and the perceived neglect of community needs. Residents have stressed that their demand for clean and accessible water is not just a matter of convenience, but a fundamental human right that must be addressed by those in power. The community’s willingness to mobilize politically over the water crisis highlights the stakes involved in gaining attention from authorities and pressing for change.
In summary, the ongoing water shortage in Ayetepah and its surroundings is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and action from both local and national authorities. As residents grapple with the consequences of inadequate water supply, their voices of discontent grow louder, urging for better infrastructure and sustainable solutions. The community’s plight serves as a call to action, emphasizing the need for water resource management policies that prioritize access and health, while also ensuring that members of the community are not forced to seek unsafe alternatives in the future.
