Residents of Puteh and Totope in the Ada East District are experiencing a severe water shortage, with taps running dry most of the year, and reliance on digging for water. The situation has led to worsened sanitation practices and health risks, including a cholera outbreak. Assembly Member Mr. Prosper Puplampu has contracted water tankers, facing significant expenses, while appealing for urgent assistance from the government and NGOs.
Residents of Puteh and Totope, two fishing communities in the Ada East District, are facing a critical water shortage that jeopardizes their livelihoods. Throughout most of the year, their taps run dry, forcing them to resort to digging holes in the ground to collect water for their daily needs. This dire situation has persisted, impacting their ability to access clean water for drinking, sanitation, and hygiene.
The lack of potable water has serious public health implications, worsening sanitation practices and contributing to a recent cholera outbreak in the area. Mr. Prosper Puplampu, the Assembly Member for the district, reported that the water crisis has been ongoing for years despite numerous appeals for assistance from local authorities. Due to the severity of the situation, he has taken it upon himself to contract water tankers, incurring substantial costs, yet the water supplied is often sourced from the river Volta.
Furthermore, Mr. Puplampu mentioned that the Ada East District has provided Aquatabs to help residents purify the water, but the ongoing expenses have strained his finances. He noted that all four communities in his electoral area continue to face water shortages, with Totope being the hardest hit. Mr. Puplampu has engaged with both the Ghana Water Company and the District Sanitation and Water Agency; however, both entities cite unresolved challenges that hinder their ability to assist the communities.
In light of the worsening crisis, he has made an urgent appeal to the government, civil society organizations, philanthropists, and non-governmental organizations to intervene. He cautioned that if the situation remains unaddressed, it could potentially lead to another outbreak of cholera in the affected communities.
The water crisis in Puteh and Totope is a pressing issue that requires immediate intervention from governmental and non-governmental organizations. The reliance on unsustainable water sourcing methods poses severe health risks to the residents, particularly with the potential resurgence of cholera. With continued support and a focused approach, solutions can be implemented to provide these communities with access to clean and safe drinking water.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
