The Tamale Metropolitan Assembly has raised alarm over a worsening water crisis in the metropolis, with some communities going without a regular water supply for up to six months due to rationing.
According to the Assembly, the situation stems from Ghana Water Limited’s continued reliance on outdated equipment that has been in use for nearly five decades despite Tamale’s growing population.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting with the Local Government and Rural Development Committee of Parliament on Thursday, October 9, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Abubakari Adam Takoro, said the aging system has made it impossible to meet the water demands of residents.
“The old machine is still supplying the people of Tamale; as a result of that, the Ghana Water Limited rations water,” he explained.
“If they give a particular area for today, then they close the taps and move to another area. But this time, the rationing system is very bad, such that it can take an area for almost six months or even more than that — water will not run through the taps. That is the challenge we have right now.”
Mr. Takoro, however, announced that government interventions are underway to resolve the crisis.
“Through the assurances of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister of Water Resources and Housing visited Tamale and announced that the government, in partnership with the European Union, had signed an agreement to repair the existing machines and install a new one at Yapei,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the installation of the new system would significantly improve water supply across the Tamale Metropolis once completed.
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