Information gathered by Kasapa News’ Yaw Boagyan revealed that the muddy water in the abandoned mining pit has been the only source of water in the Biriwa community for over six months, as the community’s pipe-borne water has been cut off.
In an interview, some residents of the Biriwa community explained that they solely depend on this stagnant water for their household chores. They use the water for drinking, washing clothes, bathing, cooking, and more, which is not hygienic and poses a risk to their health.
Residents and students must cross the Mankessim to Cape Coast Highway to fetch this stagnant water from the abandoned pit, which is dangerous. Some residents threatened not to vote if nothing is done about the water crisis that has persisted for over six months.
They also mentioned that speeding vehicles have killed children crossing the road before or after fetching water. Almost all community members have developed rashes due to the unsanitary water. Many are diagnosed with typhoid whenever they visit the hospital.
They are therefore appealing to the Member of Parliament for the Mfantseman Constituency, who doubles as the Minister of Science, Environment, and Innovation, Hon. Ophelia Mensah Heyford, and the Municipal Chief Executive Ike Lord Enu to address the issue urgently.
Reports indicate that students have depended on this stagnant water in their dormitories for the past six months. The Unit Committee Chairman of the community, Mr. Berquin, said several reports have been sent to the Member of Parliament and the MCE, but nothing has been done.
He mentioned that the community has invited the MP to witness their water source, but these invitations have fallen on deaf ears. Community members struggle to access potable water and often buy water from Cape Coast, Abura Dunkwa, and Mankessim, which is expensive and difficult for some members to afford.
He is appealing to the MP and MCE for Mfantseman to act on the issue as soon as possible.
Source: Kasapafmonline.com/Yaw Boagyan