Regional News of Saturday, 4 May 2013

Source: Daily Guide

Cape coasters angry with Mahama over shortage of water

Some residents of Cape Coast in the Central Region have sneered at President John Dramani Mahama for failing to address the water shortage that hit the area two weeks ago.

According to reports, the situation seems to have deteriorated as residents travel to Elmina in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipality and other places to get water to undertake their daily activities.

Residents who cannot travel that far move to various places within the area as early as 12 midnight to form a queue.

Information reaching DAILY GUIDE indicates that the second phase of Sekyire Hemang Water project, which was initiated by the previous Kufuor administration, has not been completed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.

In an interview, a resident, Maame Esi Tawiah commended former President Kufour for resolving the water crisis in the area during his tenure through the establishment of Sekyire Hemang and Baafikrom Water Projects.

“We have to pray to God to forgive us if we have committed any offence since we did not experience the water crises under NPP government and have started experiencing it under NDC government,” she added.

Meanwhile, information gathered by DAILY GUIDE indicates that three out of the five pumps at the Birimsu pumping station are not functioning.

Reports say the situation could worsen if the authorities do not repair the pumps immediately.

Residents of Cape Coast have been urged to pray for heavy rainfall during the week since the main water source at Brimsu has dried up.

The Central Regional Manager of Ghana Water Company, Emmanuel Ashia, noted that the company would deploy water tankers to some communities in Cape Coast to provide water.

One of the engineers in charge of distribution, Francis Lamptey revealed that the second phase of the Sakyeremang Water Project has not commenced, hence their inability to link pipes from the river to Brimsu in Cape Coast.