Editorial: Severe Water Crisis In Tamale Must Be Nipped In The Bud

Tamale, the northern regional capital, has been facing severe water crisis for the past three months, forcing residents to rely on untreated water sources for domestic use. The crisis has significantly impacted daily life, particularly for Muslims during Ramadan and students in second-cycle institutions, who spend valuable time searching for water instead of attending classes. 

With taps running dry, many residents are purchasing water at high prices, GH¢5 for a 25-litre gallon of pipe-borne water and GH¢3 for untreated water from unsafe sources. This has increased financial burdens on households and raised fears of waterborne diseases, such as Cholera and Typhoid. Areas worst affected include Sagnarigu, Gumani, Gurugu, Kukuo, Tuutingli, Lamashegu, Koblimahigu and Jakarayili. 

The Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has attributed the crisis to ageing infrastructure and a growing population. The Tamale Water System, built in 1972, has seen only one major expansion in 2008. The ongoing water rationing provides only 35,000–38,000 cubic metres daily instead of the required 90,000–95,000 cubic metres. 

Although a $223 million Tamale Water Project was launched in 2020 to address the issue, the project has yet to commence. Residents are urging authorities to find a lasting solution.

The situation has exposed the failures of infrastructure planning and water resource management, raising urgent questions about the government’s commitment to ensuring access to clean and safe water, a fundamental human right. It is unacceptable that in 2024, residents of a major city are forced to rely on untreated water sources, placing their health and well-being at risk.

One of the most alarming aspects of this crisis is the exorbitant cost of water. With taps running dry, residents have no choice but to buy water at outrageous prices. This financial burden is unbearable for low-income households, who are already struggling with economic hardships. Water, a basic necessity, has become a luxury that many cannot afford, deepening existing socio-economic inequalities.

The 2020 Tamale Water Project, a $223 million initiative expected to supply 29.7 million gallons of water per day has stalled. The government must provide answers regarding the delays and take immediate steps to fast-track the implementation of this vital project. Bureaucratic inertia cannot continue to deprive residents of their right to water.

The long-term solution must include the extension of the Yapei Water Project, as recommended by GWL, and the expansion of water treatment and distribution facilities to meet the growing demand. Additionally, authorities must prioritize maintenance and timely repairs to prevent recurrent shortages caused by faulty infrastructure.

Water is life. The suffering of Tamale residents should not be ignored any longer. Urgent intervention is needed to restore normalcy, protect public health, and uphold the dignity of the people. The time for action is now.

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