Residents and traditional leaders of Mafi Tsati in the Volta Region have renewed calls on government and development partners to urgently provide the community with safe and reliable drinking water.
The appeal was made during the Denya Festival celebrations, which brought together chiefs, opinion leaders, residents, and visitors to reflect on key development challenges confronting the area.
Addressing the gathering, Simon Gador Kotokah, Head of the Yadie Family of Gevie, described the lack of potable water as a long-standing problem that continues to threaten public health and productivity in the community.
He noted that many households still depend on unsafe water sources for daily use, a situation that disproportionately affects children and the elderly while undermining sanitation and general wellbeing.
“Today, we are gathered not just as neighbours, but as one committed family, united under the theme: Togetherness in Unity, Propelling the Future of Our Hometown, Our Collective Responsibility,” Mr. Kotokah said.
He explained that for decades, residents—especially women and children—have endured daily hardship in search of water, a challenge that has impacted health and limited economic activity.
“Water is life. No one can live without it. The funds we are raising today through our collective effort will directly support this water project and help bring this suffering to an end,” he added.
Mr. Kotokah also appealed to government for support in rehabilitating the 92-kilometre road network linking Mafi Abude, Mafi Havenu, Gborkope, Mafi Tsati, Mafi Avedo, and connecting the Adidome–Sogakope highways, describing its poor state as a major barrier to trade, agriculture, and emergency services.
On his part, the Youth Chairman of Mafi Tsati, Gavor Bright, echoed the concerns, stressing that repeated appeals for potable water have so far yielded little result.
He expressed hope that raising the issue during the Denya Festival would attract attention from authorities, NGOs, and development partners. Mr. Bright also used the platform to advise the youth to stay away from drug abuse and teenage pregnancy, warning that such behaviours threaten their future.
The Denya Festival, traditionally celebrated by the people of the area, serves as both a cultural event and a forum for engaging stakeholders on pressing development needs.
Residents remain hopeful that swift intervention will improve health outcomes, education, and economic activities in Mafi Tsati and surrounding communities.
