water

WATER - OUR SHARED RESOURCE

half of ghana's population is dependent on unsafe water sources, increasing cases of related diseases and having a huge dent on health expenditure.

since independence, northern ghana has been the most deprived, with more than 60 per cent of inhabitants not having access to the resource.

while the state has the greatest responsibility, it is the activity of charities like wateraid, plan international and care international that has complemented government role in water provision.

with protection of water resources critical to access, activities on the 2009 world water day have highlighted these concerns.

to increase access, communities need to be empowered financially while equally educating them on the importance of maintaining sanitation and water safety.

this will enhance their health status and reduce water related diseases rnfections.

while communities, like those in ghana, would always need simple boreholes or pumping pipes to increase access, a comprehensive action by all african governments is needed to improve access.

again, africa has a peculiar problem of funding, but even in situations where it is sourced, corruption and embezzlement are massive concerns; frequently denying communities from getting access to water projects because public office holders have diverted funds for their parochial interests.

protection of water bodies is important but the question on the minds of many is; how can it be done?

roland walker, journalist ghana
rowagh@yahoo.com