Water crises hit Amasaman

BY MILICENT YARO (GIJ Intern)

Over the past years, Amasaman, located in the Ga West District and its environs, has been facing persistent water crises.

This problem has irritated residents and compelled them to register their displeasure against what they describe as the insensitiveness of the authorities concerned to their plights.

Sleuth checks conducted by Ghanaian Journal at Amasaman revealed that the area has been hit by draught compelling the inhabitants to drink untreated water which poses grave health risks to them.

Residents told this reporter that sources of water in the district are mainly ponds, stagnant water, and rainy water collected from streams and wells which are nothing to write home about.

They also hinted that little efforts have been made by the Government and its various stakeholders to remedy the situation.

“What is absolutely unpardonable is the lack of efforts on behalf of the sitting Member of Parliament in the constituency to address the worrying water situation in this place,” an irate resident remonstrated.

Due to the high population rate in the district, inhabitants are threatened by water-borne diseases.

A Medical Assistant of the Amasaman District Health Post, Mr. Aysika, confirmed that diseases such as Intestinal Flagellates and Typhoid were the commonly recorded cases in the district health centre.

According to statistics obtained from Mr. Enoch Aninagyei, a Laboratory Technologist, over 40% reported cases of diseases were Intestinal Flagellates while 50% of Typhoid Fever was tested positive in the year 2008 and the first quarter of this year.

“Statistics show that cases of Intestinal Flagellates on Antenatal and children under five (5) years were recorded in the year 2008 and the first quarter of this year,” Mr. Enoch Aninagyei indicated.

He pointed out that the total number of pregnant women tested in 2008 was 4,657. “Out of this number, 1,267 tested positive representing 22.7 %.” he maintained.

He further stated that the total number of Children tested was 3,321 of which about 344 were positive representing 10.3%.

Mr. Enoch Aninagyei disclosed that in the first quarter of this year, the total number of reported cases tested on pregnant women was 1,102. He said out of this number, 266 were positive representing 24.19%.

“Out of the about 988 children tested, 112 were positive which represented 11.2%,” Mr. Enoch Aninagyei observed, adding that “Typhoid Fever cases in 2008 from food vendors reported are as follows: the number of women tested was 1,324 out of which 233 were positive representing 17.6% -a total number of 6,789 children were also tested and a positive figure of 2,102 was obtained.”

Presently, Amasaman cannot boast of potable water. Many, who can afford to buy water, buy from the water tankers that usually comb around to sell water in the vicinity. Their prices Ghanaian Journal learnt range from GH¢ 50 to GH¢60 depending on the size of the tanker.

The price increase of such water services is not as worrying as their purity, since their sources are usually questionable and often contaminated.

Emmanuel Aminaba, a resident of Amasaman, wondered what the situation would be like for people living in the hinterlands most of who have no access to potable drinking water.

The inhabitants pleaded to the government and all stakeholders concerned, including the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) to find a lasting solution to their problem.

However, Ghanaian Journal gathered that social amenities like schools, police station, rural bank and a health facility have been provided by the Government in collaboration with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the district.