World water day is being celebrated at a time that most residents of Tamale and Sanarigu have not seen a drop of water flow through their taps for several weeks.
An explanation from the Ghana Water Company has been that water demand by residents had outstripped production hence the urgency to ration water.
According to a report by the United Nations (UN), Access to safe, affordable and reliable drinking water and sanitation services are basic human rights yet, billions still lack these facilities. The report underscores that exclusion, discrimination, poverty and inequalities are among the main obstacles to achieving the water-related goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
World vision, a Christian relief organization which is also at the forefront of water provision to rural communities across the world says “nothing can be more important to a child’s well-being than access to safe water and improved sanitation.”
Sustainable access to clean water World Vision added changes everything; it is a stepping stone to development.
Still on Water; The Northern regional communication officer for the Ghana water company, Nii Abbey says, demands for water in the region had outgrown production due to increasing population hence the recent rationing of water in parts of Tamale and its environs.
He said a possible solution the water challenges in parts of the region, is to have a new water treatment plant on the White Volta at Yapei.
The Water Company’s PRO in the Northern Region also lamented over sand wining activities that continue to pose threats to the survival of the water treatment plant at Dalung.
He called on the Water resources commission who are responsible for the maintenance and management of all water bodies to fashion out security measures to protect the river since the Ghana water company has no locus over that.
Nii Abbey also revealed that a proposal had been sent to Accra to award contract for the dredging of the Dulun River to enhance water production.
He however urged the public use every opportunity to store and conserve water for future use since the water rationalization will continue for some time.
