Nungua residents demand immediate action over water shortage

Residents of Nungua are enduring months of severe water shortage despite living near the Sea Water Desalination Plant, built to ensure a reliable supply in Accra’s coastal areas.

The persistent shortage has disrupted domestic routines and crippled small businesses dependent on steady water access.

Many residents have resorted to purchasing water from private tankers at high prices, deepening the financial strain on households already facing economic pressure.

One resident who spoke to the media said it was “unacceptable and ironic” that the town suffered from a water shortage while a desalination plant had been set up in the area.

At a recent town hall meeting, officials from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) attempted to explain the continued shutdown of the desalination plant but failed to satisfy residents’ concerns.

Their explanations, which included vague references to technical challenges and maintenance delays, were criticized as inadequate and lacking transparency.

Residents are now demanding that the GWCL, the Member of Parliament for Krowor, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, and the Municipal Chief Executive, provide clear information on the causes of the breakdown and the steps being taken to restore water supply.

They also seek a definite timeline for when the situation will improve.

Accra has faced recurring water shortages over the years, with challenges often linked to aging infrastructure, illegal connections, and increasing demand driven by urban growth.

The Weija, Kpong, and Teshie desalination systems have each faced operational difficulties at different times, leading to intermittent supply in major suburbs.

The Nungua Sea Water Desalination Plant, commissioned in 2015, was designed to produce about 13 million gallons of treated water daily for communities including Teshie, La, and Nungua.

However, it has struggled with high operational costs and maintenance setbacks, leading to periodic shutdowns.

Residents insist that access to safe and reliable water is a basic human right and authorities needed to move swiftly to address the age-old problem.

The people of Nungua say they will continue to press for answers until the taps flow again.

The GWCL has repeatedly explained reasons for the intermittent supply to households including technical challenges and maintenance works at treatment plants, rising demand for water in urban areas as well as pollution as a consequence of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.