No electricity, no health centre: Penkpaari residents decry decades of neglect

Residents of Penkpaari, a farming community in the Wa West District, have expressed deep frustration over what they describe as years of neglect by successive governments.

The community, located in one of the remotest parts of the district, continues to face severe developmental challenges, including the lack of basic social amenities such as electricity, accessible roads, and a health facility. According to the residents, these hardships have persisted for decades despite repeated appeals for intervention.

In an interview with Info Radio, Mr. Konyirtey Olo, a resident, highlighted the daily struggles faced by community members.

"We don’t have a clinic or health centre here. When someone is sick, especially at night, we have to carry them on motorbikes or even on foot to Buniche, the nearest community with a road network, before they can get help,” he lamented.

Water access is also a pressing concern. The community relies on a single borehole, which is insufficient to serve the entire population.

During dry seasons, residents resort to water from nearby dugouts, raising health concerns due to the risk of waterborne diseases.

Mr Bonwiere David, the Assembly Member for the area, confirmed the challenges in an interview with Info Radio. He noted that the electoral area suffers greatly from poor road infrastructure.

“Farmers in the area face a nightmare transporting their produce to the Wechiau market, especially during the rainy season when roads become impassable,” he said.

The residents are appealing to the government, non-governmental organizations, and other development partners to come to their aid and provide essential infrastructure to improve their quality of life.