Residents of Puteh and Totope in the Ada East District are facing a critical water shortage, relying on unconventional methods for daily water needs. The Assembly Member, Mr. Prosper Puplampu, highlighted the ongoing crisis and the financial strain of procuring water. He appeals for urgent assistance to prevent further health risks, such as a cholera outbreak.
Residents of Puteh and Totope, located in the Ada East District of Ghana, are enduring a severe water shortage that jeopardizes their livelihoods. They report enduring dry taps for most of the year, which has compelled them to seek alternative means of accessing water, such as digging holes in the ground to collect it. This acute water crisis particularly affects their access to clean drinking water and sanitation, aggravating the recent cholera outbreak in the region.
Mr. Prosper Puplampu, the Assembly Member representing the area, expressed that the water shortage has persisted for many years, despite numerous appeals for assistance to local leaders and the district assembly. He mentioned that he has been forced to hire water tankers to supply the communities at a significant expense of approximately GHC 1,500 per tanker, although the water obtained is sourced directly from the River Volta. to add to the problem, his budget for these purchases is also depleting, further worsening the situation for the residents.
Moreover, the Ada East District has provided residents with Aquatabs for water purification, however, the long-term solution remains elusive. Mr. Puplampu’s frustrations were palpable as he indicated that all four communities within his electoral jurisdiction, including Aminapa, Midie, Puteh, and Totope, have been grappling with water scarcity for decades. He specifically noted Totope as the most adversely affected community.
In his plea for assistance, Mr. Puplampu reached out to government authorities, civil society organizations, philanthropists, NGOs, and the general public, emphasizing the urgency of intervention in their plight. He warned that the ongoing water crisis poses a significant risk of triggering another cholera outbreak within these communities if left unattended.
In summary, the residents of Puteh and Totope face a dire water shortage, which is impacting their health and sanitation. The persistent issue has prompted urgent calls for intervention from various stakeholders, as the financial burden of alternatives is becoming unsustainable for local leaders. Without immediate action, the risk of health crises, such as a cholera outbreak, looms large over these fishing communities.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
