By Marie Aziz Tunde
Most residents of Sekondi-Takoradi in the Western Region are yet to come to terms with why the issue of acute water shortage is not been treated as an urgent one.
The situation has persisted for almost two months and it effect on both domestic and commercial activities continue to worsen.
Residents who can afford the services of Water tanker services which costs between Ghc. 300.00 and Ghc. 400.00 depending on the distance traveled are doing so.
Some also hire tricycles, taxis and other forms of transporting and using the yellow oil gallons popularly referred to as the Kufour gallons to get water from boreholes and wells within the Metropolis.
A yellow gallon costs between Ghc1 and Ghc1.20 depending on the source.
During the day, people including school children are seen carrying buckets and gallons moving from one area to another, searching for water.
This undoubtedly, affects them because for the school children, they will either be late for school or miss it whiles workers will report late for work.
Food Vendors:
Most food vendors within the Metropolis say their businesses have been affected by the trend because for food, only potable water should be used.
According to Amina, a Waakye seller, even when she cooks, patronage is low because people do not trust the source of water used in the preparation of the food.
“For a while, I’ve not been selling because the cost of having to buy water is too much” she added.
Hair Dressers:
Most hairdressing salons have also been affected and render services which do not require the use of so much water.
In some residential areas such as Anaji, Airport Ridge and new sites of Ntankoful, Kansawrodo, Race course and Whindo resorting to the digging of boreholes which run on electric pumps.
Some of the owners say, although very expensive to acquire, it is very serviceable as one has regular flow of potable water.
Boarding Facilities:
There are over six senior High schools within the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis which also have boarding facilities.
Although school authorities have been tight lipped on the effects of the water shortage there, some inside sources say, it is unimaginable. “Can you imagine the situations at the toilets which is being shared by more than fifty or more members of a house? It’s that bad, just the stench is enough to start an outbreak of disease “. the source hinted.
Some of the students also noted that they are forced to urinate in gutters, behind classrooms and at inappropriate areas because the washrooms are constantly messy.
Others mentioned that bathing regularly is out of the question, “during our monthly red code days, we all wish to be at home instead of here” another girl noted sadly.
Reasons assigned for shortage of water- GWCL
The Communications Manager of the GWCL for the Western and Central regions, Nana Yaw Barima Barnie, said the two intake points at Inchaban and Daboase combined have the capacity to produce 6.5 million gallons a day but are currently producing between two and 2.7 million gallons on the average.
“Following the onset of the dry season, with its adverse effect on water production and distribution, the company is facing challenges in the extraction of adequate quantities of raw water for treatment at and Daboase intake areas,” Mr. Barnie added.
According to him, currently, water is being rationed within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.
Also, a similar situation exists in the Central Region, with the worst hit areas being Cape Coast, Mankessim, Saltpond, Elmina and adjourning communities.
As to when the situation can be rectified, Mr. Barnie said the GWCL is in the process of implementing a long-term solution to solve the recurring problem.
Read Also: Ghana Water Company Ltd. (GWCL)