Mirigu Women appeals  for Solution to their Water Crisis

Poor access to portable water has been a major problem that impedes the economic development of the people of Mirigu in the Kassena-Nankana West district of the Upper East Region. The situation has forced traders and farmers to spend much time travelling long distances in search of portable water. As a result, less emphasis is laid to enhance the growth of their various businesses. The nearest borehole to the community is about 5km away. Also being the only borehole, there has been pressure on it always leading to long queues.  However, these conditions have left the youth in the community with no other choice than to migrate to the southern part of the country to seek greener pastures. Productivity and income have become very low since individuals who could earn GHC3000 to Ghc4000 a year, now earn as low as GHC50 to GHC100 in a year. On this light therefore, The Mirugu Women Association in the Kassena Nankana West District, an association which was formed in 2002 purposely to increase business income among its members consisting of only women entrepreneurs, in a press release copied to Radio Ghana are embarking on an advocacy in search of an amicable solution to the problem which has bedeviled the community for many years. According to the statement jointly signed by the leadership of the association, several appeals forwarded to the District Assembly and opinion leaders had proven futile, adding that though they were supported financially by the Business Sector Advocacy Challenge fund (BUSAC), they have on many occasions on their own organized vigorous advocacy skill training for their members and moreover, embarked on public sensitization on the issue. According to the group, they are committed to increasing economic productivity among women entrepreneurs through the provision of more Boreholes in the community. They are therefore calling on Government, stakeholders, duty bearers and the general public to as a matter of urgency ensure the provision of portable water in the community.

GBC                                                                    END                                                       EMB/IA