Tema Community 25 residents issue two-week ultimatum to Ghana Water Limited

Residents of Tema Community 25 in the Greater Accra Region have issued a stern two-week ultimatum to Ghana Water Limited (GWL), threatening to occupy the utility provider's head office if regular water supply is not restored. The residents, who have struggled with persistent water shortages for several years, expressed deep frustration over the company's inability to provide a stable service despite multiple previous assurances. The community warns that if the situation does not improve within the 14-day window, they will mobilize for a sustained demonstration at the GWL headquarters.

The ongoing crisis has forced households to resort to costly alternatives, including the purchase of water from private tankers and the drilling of personal boreholes. Many community members reported spending substantial monthly sums on these alternatives while still receiving bills from GWL for water not delivered. Beyond the financial burden, residents raised alarms regarding fire safety, noting that the lack of water in the community poses a significant risk in the event of an emergency, as hydrants and domestic taps remain dry.

The residents have described the billing practices of the utility company as unresponsive and unfair. They highlighted that despite the lack of water flow, they continue to be charged, adding to their financial distress. The community is now demanding urgent intervention from the government to address the technical or administrative failures preventing the flow of water to their taps. They expressed concern that despite the growth of the area, infrastructure development has not kept pace with residential needs.

The planned protest, which residents describe as "sleeping at the GWL head office," is intended to force a resolution to the years-long problem. If the two-week deadline expires without a visible improvement in supply or a credible plan for restoration, the community leaders have vowed to follow through with the occupation. This development underscores the growing pressure on Ghana’s utility providers to maintain infrastructure and service standards in rapidly developing urban residential areas.