A significant number of students in the Tamale Metropolitan Area are unable to attend classes due to a severe water crisis. The situation is particularly dire for female students, who are forced to search for water, often inaccessible, instead of attending school.
Furthermore, this crisis has also affected teachers, with some succumbing to the situation. As a result, teaching and learning have been significantly disrupted in the affected areas.
The water crisis is dire to the extent that people have resorted to using sachet water for cooking and bathing, compounding their financial constraints.
Dams and boreholes, crucial water sources for residents on the outskirts of Tamale Township, are experiencing depletion, exacerbating water scarcity in the area.
This shortage is not only impacting daily life but also local commerce. Businesses such as chop bar operators and porridge (Koko) sellers are among those affected by the lack of water.
The situation is particularly challenging during the Holy month of Ramadan, as Muslims require more water for cooking, drinking, performing ablutions, and other domestic activities.
As an essential component for normal human body function, a sufficient amount of water is needed during this blessed month.
Amidst the water crisis, reports suggest that the Ghana Water Company (GWCL) has persistently billed residents for water despite non-supply, leading to confusion between meter-reading officers and landlords in the Tamale Metropolis.
In response, Dr. Clifford Braimah, Managing Director of the Ghana Water Company, has hinted at plans to drill additional boreholes in the Tamale Metropolis as a temporary solution.
However, residents in the affected communities are deeply aggrieved by the prolonged situation and have threatened to stage continuous demonstrations until a resolution is reached.
The Members of Parliament for Tamale South, Tamale Central, and Tamale North constituencies on February 13, 2024, bemoaned the Tamale water crisis and called for the government’s rapid action.
Haruna Iddrisu representing Tamale South, Murtala Mohammed representing Tamale Central, and Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, addressing the Parliament floor, have jointly raised concerns and urged duty bearers to address the recurring water crisis.
STORY BY ; PORTIA AKU SHIKA GAFAH
