By: Jeremiah Nutsugah.
Residents in Abeka,”Ayigbe Town,” in the Greater Accra Region, have been grappling with water shortages for the past three months and ahead of Christmas, sparking growing concerns and complaints. The scarcity has prompted residents to share their experiences and express frustrations about the ongoing water-related challenges.
As taps run dry at various water sources, community members articulate their struggles with the water shortage, especially in the months leading up to Christmas. Madam Kusomo, a food vendor in the community, lamented, “Christmas is approaching, and we are still grappling with water scarcity. How will we cook our Christmas meals? Obtaining clean tap water for cooking, cleaning, and bathing has become a daily struggle for the past three months. We now need to fetch water from wells before we can cook and wash.”
The water shortage has forced many residents to explore alternative sources, such as fetching water from wells or relying on stored water. Mrs. Olivia, a Shop Keeper also shared, that “Sometimes the places buy tap water charge high prices compared to when there was a public tap running. We are in the Christmas season, and not having access to clean tap water for our chores is disheartening. Anyone who can help must assist us because we are in the city and struggling with water.”
The impact of the water shortage is also affecting local businesses and daily activities. Shops and eateries, reliant on a consistent water supply, are feeling the pinch. Mrs. Esinam, an Eatery Operator, decried how the water shortage is draining his business operations, thereby affecting the economies of her pocket
“Without water, it’s challenging to run my business smoothly. Customers are decreasing because we can’t offer certain services”, she said.
Residents are urging authorities to promptly address the water shortage issue, especially with Christmas around the corner. They emphasized on the importance of reliable water access for their well-being and daily routines. As the community awaits a solution from authorities, the struggle persists, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable measures to ensure a consistent water supply in Abeka’s “Ayigbe Town.”
