Residents of Leklebi Agbesia in the Afadzato South District of the Volta Region are urgently appealing for access to potable water, as they continue to depend on a contaminated stream shared with animals for their daily water needs.
The lack of clean water has resulted in a surge in waterborne diseases, particularly typhoid, with women and children bearing the brunt of the crisis. School children often trek long distances before dawn in search of water, while women risk their safety fetching water from the bush where the stream is located.
A visit by Adom News Correspondent, Odehyeba Owusu Job, revealed the dire situation as residents, including children, fetched visibly contaminated water from the stream for cooking, bathing, and drinking.
“We suffer before getting water. We even share the water with livestock, and when farmers spray their crops, the rain washes the chemicals into the stream. We’re drinking poison,” a resident lamented.
Another resident added, “The boreholes are broken. Every morning around 3 am, women and children walk to the bush just to fetch water. It’s dangerous. How can we share water with animals? We need clean water to survive.”
Assemblyman for the area, Mr. Joseph Dakpo, expressed deep concern over the situation and reiterated calls on the government, NGOs, and philanthropists to intervene.
Meanwhile, the newly elected District Chief Executive (DCE) for Afadzato South, Hon. Manfred Tawiah, has described the situation as critical. Speaking to Adom News, he assured residents that he would collaborate with the appropriate agencies to ensure the community gets access to safe and sustainable water.
Residents are hoping swift action is taken to prevent further health complications and ease the burden on the already struggling community.