Coaltar (C/R), March 9, GNA - Over five thousand farmers and schoolchildren of four farming communities near Coaltar in the Suhum-Kraboa Coaltar District have been affected with shortage of water following the drying of their rivers, Panpan, Densua, Apesika and Asuketiwa.

The affected communities are Akuraa Fitaa, Amaadikrom, Krabokese and Bekoekrom.

Briefing the Ghana News Agency after inspecting the affected places with chiefs and elders, Mr Emmanuel Dartey, NPP Chairman for Ayesuano Constituency said the people are now digging holes and travelling log distances before getting water. Mr. Dartey said if the government does not take necessary measures by supplying them with water tanks the unhygienic water would course epidemic in the area.

In an interview with GNA, Nana Afitie Bekoe II, Chief of Bekoekrom said the people are ready to assist the government by communal labour and financial contributions towards the sinking of bore-holes in the areA to avoid any epidemic.

Nana Bekoe therefore, appealed to the Suhum-Kraboa Coaltar District Assembly and non-governmental organisation to come to their aid.