Tema Community Five water shortage worsens

The prolonged water shortage in Tema Community Five has intensified in recent months, leaving residents increasingly frustrated as they struggle to secure water for basic daily activities.

According to residents, what initially appeared to be a routine rationing schedule by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has become unpredictable, affecting homes, businesses and schools within the community.

Some residents told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that for about a year, they were accustomed to a timetable under which water flowed from Monday to Friday, with supply cut off from Friday evening to Sunday evening.

They noted, however, that the situation had worsened, with some households going several days without any water, making it difficult to plan daily activities.

Mrs Marie Amese, a hairdresser, said that the situation had severely disrupted her livelihood, explaining that her work depended on a constant supply of water to wash clients’ hair and clean equipment.

“Business has become tough. On days when I forget to fetch enough water, I cannot work properly,” she said, adding that the previous week had been particularly difficult, as water stopped flowing from Thursday until Monday.

She said the shortage was so severe that her son had to bathe with sachet water before going to school.

Mr Richard Amuzu, a resident, expressed concern about the hardship the crisis had created, especially for people who worked long hours, explaining that he often returned home late only to find the taps dry, describing the situation as unbearable.

Mr Amuzu appealed to the government to intervene urgently to restore a consistent water supply to the area.

Mrs Diana Lartey, a teacher, said the water shortage made it difficult for her to manage both work and household responsibilities.

She explained that she left home at about 0600 hours and returned after 1700 hours, noting that on many days, there was no water available for cooking, washing or cleaning.

“Even when I store water in a barrel, it does not last two days,” she said, urging the GWCL to give residents timely notice before closing the tap and to clearly communicate the challenges behind the crisis and the steps being taken to resolve it.

Many residents said they had been forced to rely on sachet water and water tankers, which they described as expensive and unsustainable.

They called on the GWCL and the Tema West Municipal Assembly to act swiftly to address the situation and put in measures to restore regular water supply.