Hemang Islamic Basic School Pupils Beg For Water As Water Shortage Hits Hard

Despite education being a fundamental right, pupils at the Hemang Islamic Basic School in the Hemang Lower Denkyira District are forced to abandon lessons daily in search of water for drinking, handwashing, and other essential needs due to severe water scarcity.

The pupils revealed that the only functioning pipe on campus broke down after increased usage by both students and nearby community members.

The added pressure caused the system to collapse, leaving the school without access to clean water.

This has forced students to walk long distances to fetch water from homes or other sources, many of which are unsafe for consumption.

The situation, they say, disrupts academic work and puts their health at risk.

They are therefore appealing to the government and benevolent organizations to come to their aid and help find a lasting solution to the problem.

Mr. Emmanuel Arthur, Secretary of the School, expressed concern over the impact of the water crisis.

He noted that the nearest borehole is located far from the school, often causing pupils to arrive late and exhausted, affecting their focus in class.

He added that, in some cases, pupils are compelled to depend on their friends for coins to buy sachet water.

He appealed for urgent intervention to save academic activities from further decline.

Meanwhile, Mr. Daniel Blay, CEO of Danbicom Foundation, in collaboration with Alquima Company Limited, has pledged to provide a mechanized water system for the school.

This commitment follows an appeal by the school and a joint assessment of the community’s water challenges, aimed at addressing the persistent water crisis affecting both students and staff.

Mr. Blay believes that once the project is completed, it will significantly enhance academic performance by reducing absenteeism among students, who currently endure strenuous efforts in search of water before attending school.

Story by: Shadrack Owusu Asante, Rich FM Assin Fosu