Chagpaala Residents Call for Urgent Action as Water Scarcity Worsens

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Residents of Chagpaala, a farming community in the Wa East District are raising urgent concerns over the community’s inadequate access to clean and portable drinking water. Speaking to Info Radio, Madam Rose Sangmeni highlighted that the community currently relies on just three boreholes, one of which is solely dedicated to Chagpaala Basic School. She emphasized that the government has not drilled any boreholes for the community, with the responsibility instead falling on the Catholic Parish of Bulenga-Chaggu.

Madam Sangmeni expressed her community’s ongoing struggle to access safe drinking water, as residents often resort to fetching water from streams and rivers, a practice that becomes especially challenging during the dry season. The community is now calling on authorities to intervene promptly to improve water infrastructure and ensure reliable access for all residents.

The plight of Chagpaala is compounded by the actions of some community members, according to Unit Committee Chairman Mr. Sidabuo Dery. He explained that residents share water sources with cattle, drawing from streams, rivers, and boreholes to supply livestock. This practice exacerbates the strain on limited water sources, leading to early spoilage and further reducing the availability of potable water for human consumption.

Chief of Chagpaala, Naa Baawa Sinkari, also voiced concerns over the inadequate water supply. He stated that the existing boreholes are insufficient to serve his catchment area, which comprises seven communities with only six boreholes available. The chief appealed to the government to construct a dam to provide a more sustainable and reliable water source, underscoring the critical need for infrastructural development to address the ongoing water crisis.