Residents of Kpachiri in the Krachi East Municipality of the Oti Region are facing a severe water shortage, forcing them to compete with animals for water from a nearby dam.

With a population of about 1,000 people, the community has been grappling with the situation for several months, relying on untreated water for both domestic and commercial purposes. The crisis worsened as two boreholes serving the community broke down, exacerbating the water scarcity.

The only available source of water, a nearby dam, also serves as a watering hole for animals. Consequently, the water has become contaminated with animal waste, posing a serious health risk to residents who have no choice but to use it.

During a visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), it was observed that the water from the dam had turned brownish and muddy due to increased human and animal activity. Residents, including women like Madam Asana Ndakeba, were seen fetching water directly from the dam, further complicating efforts to access clean water.

Many residents expressed concerns about the safety of the untreated water they have been consuming for months, highlighting the lack of means to treat it.

Mr. Rockson Denteh, the Assembly member for the area, expressed apprehension about the impending dry spell during the harmattan season, which could exacerbate the situation. He appealed to the Government and Non-governmental Organizations to intervene by providing potable drinking water to alleviate the suffering of the affected community members.