Community 25 residents demand urgent action over prolonged water crisis

Residents of Community 25, situated near Tema in the Kpone Katamanso Municipality of Greater Accra Region, are urgently calling for action to address a severe water crisis. Eric Martey, an executive member of the Community 25 Residents Association, detailed the residents' plight, stating that some households have gone months, and in extreme cases, up to a year without a consistent water supply.

This issue escalated following repairs to the community's pipelines announced by Ghana Water Limited, which have yet to restore a reliable water flow to the residents. Despite paying for a dedicated water line, many residents have experienced prolonged water shortages since the repairs concluded approximately two months ago. Martey emphasized that the shortage is more than just an inconvenience; it poses significant risks, particularly because the area houses major installations and fuel storage facilities, with all fire hydrants in the community currently dry.

This has fueled fears of a catastrophic fire outbreak should water become unavailable for firefighting efforts. The residents have repeatedly engaged with Ghana Water Limited to resolve the issue, including a meeting on September 14 and an impromptu visit when their initial appointment request went unacknowledged. Ghana Water officials attributed the supply failure to inadequate water pressure in the area, a claim that Martey disputed, pointing out that neighboring Communities 1, 2, and 3, located farther from the Ashaiman booster station, continue to receive regular water supply.

Martey also raised suspicions of potential interference in the community's water supply, suggesting that some Ghana Water staff members might have vested interests in the water-tanker business, which could be influencing valve operations to sustain tanker demand. Furthermore, Martey alleged that water lines supplying bottled-water producers in the area may have been tapped, leading to concerns about whether water intended for residents is being diverted.

The prolonged water crisis has forced many residents to rely on water tankers for their daily needs, but this has introduced another alarming issue: the quality of the water being supplied. A recent incident where water from a tanker turned green after storage for three days has left the residents concerned about the safety of the water they are forced to consume.

Martey questioned the safety and viability of this water, asking, "Is this what we are supposed to be drinking?" This situation has left residents frustrated and increasingly dependent on tanker operators for their daily water requirements, with households having to place orders and wait for deliveries, with some receiving water the next day while others may have to wait up to two days.

Martey pleaded with authorities to intervene immediately to restore a reliable water supply to Community 25 and to address the residents' concerns, describing the current situation as exhausting and frustrating.