Residents of Nyametiase and Adaakwah-krom in the Wassa Amenfi East Municipality of the Western region are facing an acute water crisis, forcing them to compete with animals for access to the limited available resources.
For months, the over 500 residents of these communities have relied on a small, rapidly depleting stream for their daily water needs.
However, as demand increases and wild animals encroach on the water source, the situation has become unsustainable, prompting desperate calls for intervention from authorities.
“We’re fighting a losing battle,” said Elder Sampson Appiadu, Chairman of the Community Committee. “The animals are taking over, and we’re struggling to get enough water for our families. It’s a desperate situation.”
Local leaders, including Nana Amanor Adaakwa, Chief of Adaakwah-krom, have confirmed that previous efforts such as digging wells and implementing water conservation measures have not been sufficient to address the growing crisis.
Women, food vendors, and other residents who depend on the water for domestic and commercial use have echoed similar concerns. “We can’t continue like this, competing with animals for water. It’s not safe for us or our children,” one resident lamented.
The deteriorating situation has also raised alarm among health officials. A local health expert warned of the increased risk of waterborne diseases due to the community’s reliance on potentially contaminated water. “The situation is critical. Without immediate intervention, we may see outbreaks of cholera and other serious illnesses,” the official stated.
The community is now calling on key authorities, including President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC government, Member of Parliament Hon. Nicholas Amankwah, Assemblyman Yaw Darko, as well as NGOs and philanthropists, to take urgent action in providing a sustainable source of clean water.
As the crisis persists, residents hope their pleas will not go unheard, emphasizing the urgent need for long-term water infrastructure to safeguard their health and well-being.
