Residents of Teshie and Nungua have expressed deep frustration over the temporary shutdown of the Teshie-Nungua Desalination Plant, warning that the move will worsen their already dire water supply situation.
The Ghana Water Limited (GWL) announced earlier this week that operations at the plant have been suspended due to unresolved contractual challenges and the need for critical maintenance to ensure safe and efficient service delivery.
But for many residents, the shutdown has come as a major setback. They say they have been grappling with irregular water flow for months and fear the situation will now deteriorate further.
Several residents lamented the difficulties they face in accessing water for basic domestic use.
“A gallon of water usually costs GH¢1.50, but sometimes it sells for as high as GH¢5,” one resident complained. “I love water and used to enjoy using it freely, but the current shortage has forced me to reduce the number of times I bathe each day.”
Another resident added, “It’s going to affect us for a long time, because without water, you can’t survive.”
Some residents said they now rely heavily on sachet water for cooking, washing, and even bathing, a costly and unsustainable option for many households.
The Teshie-Nungua Desalination Plant, commissioned in 2015, was designed to supply over 13 million gallons of treated water daily to communities along the eastern corridor of Accra, including Teshie, Nungua, and parts of Tema. However, the facility has faced multiple operational and financial challenges over the years, resulting in intermittent shutdowns.
Residents are now urging Ghana Water Limited to expedite negotiations and maintenance works to restore operations at the plant. They also called for an interim water distribution plan to alleviate the impact of the shutdown on households and businesses in the affected areas.
“We just want regular water in our taps,” one resident appealed. “We can’t keep living like this every few months.”