The water crisis in the Central Region is worsening, particularly for residents of the Effutu Municipality, who are at risk of an outbreak. Meanwhile, communities in the Gomoa East District are already struggling with waterborne diseases. The Kwanyako Water Treatment Plant has been shut down for over two weeks, and the contaminated supply from the Winneba Headworks has left thousands without access to safe drinking water.
Health workers at the Gomoa Fetteh CHPS compound have reported a significant increase in diarrheal cases. Senior midwife Belinda Serwaa Sarfo described the situation as overwhelming, stating, “We are really struggling. Some patients come in with diarrhoea and need a place to use the toilet, but there is no water to flush the system. Sometimes we have to send people out to look for water, while we also search elsewhere. Most of the time, even finding water is a serious problem.” She added, “Just yesterday alone, we recorded 20 cases of diarrhoea.”
Authorities in Effutu are equally concerned about a potential outbreak, as some residents depend on water from the Winneba Headworks, which is suspected to be contaminated by galamsey activities. Others are resorting to the heavily polluted Ayensu River for their water supply.
Municipal Chief Executive, Atta Mensah said the assembly is preparing contingency measures, including borehole projects. “We are seeking to drill 10 boreholes. For the short term, we will construct five. The nature of our land is affected by iron and salt, so we are looking at getting an iron filtration plant where we can use it for the expected water,” he explained.
Source: Akwasi Addo
