Welcome to the 21st century! Access to water in the western region of Ghana

A few days ago, on March 22 was World Water Day.
Access to water is often difficult, complex and problematic in many parts of the globe.
The following pictures are a reminder of the realities faced by ghanaians in every day life, then I will focus on the small area where I live on the western coast of Ghana and especially the village of Akwidaa.




The situation in the western region of Ghana
"The western region of Ghana has the lowest coverage of access to water, in rural areas. While the western region is considered one of the wettest of Ghana,
current figures indicate that it is the lowest rung of the ladder in terms of drinking water coverage in rural areas with only 44.20%.
Several reasons for this deplorable situation

Firstly the assumptions about regular rainfall are important, access to water is estimated to be easy because of the proximity of groundwater.
The access roads in the direction of rural communities are more often than not a nightmare, this has resulted in low investment in water and sanitation in rural areas.
Agency's Clean Water and the western region also aims to establish effective control systems and operations management and ensure that all communities with a population of more than 75 people have access to drinking water by 2015. "

I hope it is not another empty promise like electricity for all which was shaken like a rattle during elections and quickly forgotten once the deadline has passed ...

According to an article by Edmund Smith Asante, that you find here and in full English.
The full article There in English.
According to Lionel Becherel report on tourism development of the West Coast ( here in its entirety and English):
"In the region as a whole, only 32 percent of homes have access to piped treated water, only 8.5 percent having this provision in the place of residence. The availability of toilets seems to be a major problem in the region, about 40 percent of homes have either no toilets or using public restrooms. "
You will find there , a photo gallery (flickr) on queues at toilets around the world! With photos taken at Agona Nkwanta, the district capital of Ahanta West .
Here an article on the website of the Ahanta West District with a statement from the director of an NGO: the Ghanaian government to supply water to the schools (in English). Why only schools?
The situation in a village in the western region 
Akwidaa

Akwidaa (and not Achenim)

 
While the village has strong development potential in terms of economy and tourism
it seems forgotten by local government bodies. The two access roads (and the coastal trail to Cape Three Points) are difficult. 
With particular reference to the coastal road going to Akwidaa old town. 

While the village has strong development potential in terms of economy and tourism

it seems forgotten by local government bodies. here an article by Nana (photo credit Nana Amoako Agyeman ) 

  The road at Cape Three Points is in slightly better condition. Some segments are regularly maintained by the company that manages the rubber plantation who require good access for their business activities. 

However, a bridge is left without repair for weeks, while articulated trucks travel this track! In the rainy season, the laterite mud becomes as slippery as ice....
In the rainy season some sections are impassable, in the very recent past the villagers around Cape Three Points have been forced to take the boat to Akwidaa and then wait for a mini bus to go to next junction .
A real obstacle course and what about the products of food crops that have been sold? Has anyone estimated the shortfall for the inhabitants of these areas?
Speaking about addressing sensitive subjects, do a small tour of the electricity ...
Electricity
Here they say "no light", when there is a blackout, which is frequent, although there are regular promises of improvement........
No electricity, road access difficult and no access to water worthy of being called water ...
Yet this village and its surroundings boasts many hospitality and tourist facilities, 6 now, and others are coming.
All these facilities are involved in local and national life through the payment of various taxes and Vat. What is this money used for?
While just a few miles offshore, they have begun pumping oil. What proportion of the profits will be for the inhabitants of this small and beautiful, forgotten region? What does this extraordinary windfall contribute to improving their living conditions?
Welcome to the beginning of the 21st century ...
 Txxxxx to John and Becky for your help !