Regional News of Thursday, 1 February 2007

Source: GNA

Water shortage hits Adaklu

Adaklu Have (V/R), Feb 1, GNA - Schools in Adaklu-Have in the Adaklu-Anyigbe District may have to close as a result of a severe water shortage that has hit the town and pupils have to travel several kilometres in search of water.

Pupils and teachers buy water at 1,500 cedis a bucket in Ho, 10 kilometers away, or Adaklu-Vodze, five kilometres away, everyday and are therefore absent from classes for the greater part of the day. Mr. Ernest Amedor, the Headmaster of the town's junior secondary school, told the GNA in an interview on Wednesday that "it appears only the rains can help save the situation."

Mr. Simon Adama, the immediate past Unit Committee Chairman of the town, said the last rain in the area was in November 2006 and the town's four boreholes had dried up.

"Those who cannot buy water rely on a dam that is located about five kilometers away and is also used by cattle belonging to Fulani herdsmen."

Mr Adama said the community was trying to tap potable water from Adaklu-Vodze but the predominantly farming community was finding the cost of the project too high.

He appealed to the government and non-governmental organizations to assist the community to get portable water and urged the Ghana Water Company to send water tankers to the town as a short-term measure.