Four-year water crisis deepens hardship in Agbozume

Residents of Agbozume and nearby areas in the Ketu South Municipality have faced a severe four-year water shortage, compelling many to travel to other towns for domestic water needs. This crisis has led to increased living costs, as households employ motor tricycles, known as "Aboboyaa," to transport water from farther regions. The persistent water scarcity also impacts schools, health facilities, and workers who rely on regular water access for their operations.

Dan Jerry Sorokpo, a resident of Agbozume, highlighted the severe hardship endured by locals and called on the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) to engage the community to restore the water system urgently. The Agbozume Community Borehole, installed by a corporate organization and managed by GWCL, collapsed in mid-2023 during heavy rainfall, halting water supply operations.

Despite GWCL drilling new boreholes in 2024, these efforts have not yet restored water access, leaving residents and stakeholders without official updates on the system's status or the obstacles hindering its restoration. Sorokpo expressed concern over the financial burden on households, particularly for clinics, Community Health Centres, and schools, which depend on water for sanitation and service delivery.

The water shortage also affects town workers, with some considering job transfers due to inadequate water access. Sorokpo has petitioned the Volta Regional Manager of GWCL to organize a stakeholder town hall meeting, aiming to inform the community about the water system's current status, restoration challenges, and future plans.

The petition was forwarded to the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, GWCL's Managing Director, Aflao/Agbozume Manager, the Volta Regional Minister, Ketu South Municipal Chief Executive, and Torgbiga Adamah III, President of the Somè Traditional Council.