The polluted Tano River
The polluted Tano River

Three villages that source their water from the Tano River will be depending on sachet water provided them by their Assembly until the river is safe to drink.

It follows contamination after an articulated truck carrying chemicals suspected to be cyanide fell into the Tano River which is said to have resulted in the deaths of several aquatic animals including fish and crocodiles.

The issue became murkier when the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in a statement signed by the Offinso District Director, Elijah Mamos, explained that the Tano River had been polluted and not safe for drinking until further notice.

Assemblyman for Tano Ahenfie, Mohammed Zakari, revealed this to Adom News, Wednesday.

He indicated that the villages, including Asutia, Krofiekrom and Wa, with a population of about 400 have all received 1,000 bags of sachet water each for the week for their domestic chores.

The sachet water, the Assemblyman said, is being funded by the Deputy Minister of Regional Reorganisation and Development, Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah.

He noted that though the Ghana Water Resource Commission had indicated an improvement in the PH level of the water, it is still unsafe to drink.

“When we toured the area, many more animals had died and decomposing in the river so residents cannot drink the water,” he said.

Mr Zakari is appealing to the government to come to their aid since the sachet water is woefully inadequate for domestic use.

NADMO Coordinator for the Techiman South District, Eric Asiedu, says they are still monitoring the situation until it is safe to drink again.

Source: Adom News|Maame Esi Nyamekye Thompson