La residents cry out for water as world celebrates water Day today

As Ghana joins the rest of the world to observe World Water Day today, Xfm takes a peep into the ³water lives² of people living in La, a suburb of Accra; an area that is commonly known for its perennial water problems.

For over two months now, residents of La have not had water run through their taps. It is a common site to spot women and children including men with the now infamous Kufuor gallons and large pans walking miles in search of water, one of life¹s needed commodities.

Selling from 20p to about 50p depending on how big or otherwise one¹s container is, one can spend close to five Ghana cedis on water daily depending on his or her water needs.

Water problem has always been a part of La life, but the people of La seems to be already tired with the ³exercise² of carrying buckets of water each morning and evening across miles; and have vent their spleen on the city authorities.

³We have the MP who leaves right in our midstŠ Hon Namoale. He leaves hereŠ will he allow his seven year old child to carry water and be late for school? Look at how old I am, should I be carrying water at this age? I had a gallon of water fall on me the last time; I got pain all over my chestŠ is that right? one angry resident blurted out.

³If it is time for vote, he will come around and ask us to vote for himŠ he knows what problems we are facing; including the assembly member, but they are doing nothing about it², she added.

³Water has been an issue for us for the past years; this problem has been our headache including the children as well who walk long distances in search of water for their daily use. Children from this community are always late for school due to the situation we are facing in our community² another lamented.

A kenkay seller who spoke to Xfm said the water problem has affected the cost of kenkey in the vicinity.

Meanwhile, sector Minister, Mr Enoch Teye Mensah, has said Ghanaians have no option than to raise the profile of water for food security to the highest level.

In addition, he said action should be taken at all stages of the supply chain, from producers to consumers, to save water and ensure food for all.

The theme for this year¹s World Water Day is ³Water and Food Security: Call for Solutions.²

The theme is to draw worldwide attention to the relationship between water and food security focusing on water scarcity, which already affects more than 40 per cent of the people on earth and is limiting the ability of farmers to produce enough food to eat or earn a living. Story by Irene Nartey/ Xfm 95.1/ Accra/ Ghana

-- Eugenia Tenkorang Xfm95.1 0268 868 808