By: Hamza Lansah Lolly/Baba Issahaq Mohammed
Residents and traditional leaders of Manguli, in the Tamale South Constituency are urgently appealing for assistance following a severe water shortage caused by the drying up of the community’s only dam.
The dam which was constructed 22 years ago under the under former President Kufour regime is yet to be properly dredged.
The dam serves several communities in the entire Tamale metropolis.
The dam has dried up due to heavy siltation and the ongoing dry season.
The resulting crisis has forced residents to travel long distances in search of water, disrupting daily life and economic activities.
The Chief of Manguli, Naa Alhassan Abdul Rahaman has expressed deep concern about the deteriorating situation, calling on government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and private partners to intervene immediately.
He warned that if urgent action is not taken, the water crisis could lead to widespread sanitation issues, health risks, and a decline in local productivity.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Tolon Radio news team, the Chief of Manguli hinted that, he solely funded the dredging of the dam 3 years ago but dried up due to the number of communities that depends on it.
He said, Manguli dam was supposed be a multipurpose irrigation dam to serve the entire Tamale metropolis.
According to the Manguli Chief , the site plan Manguli Dam was similar to that of the Bontaga Irrigation dam, adding that, the dam needs a serious dredging to enable it stand the test of time.
Naa Alhassan appeal to the MP for area, Hon Haruna Iddrisu, individuals and benevolent organizations to come and support the dredging of the dam.
“The dam needs to be dredged before the rain start, so we are appealing to all our MPs and benevolent organizations to support us”. He urge
Residents shared their frustrations and the hardships they faced with Tolon Radio news team.
“We are struggling,” one resident lamented. “There is no water for our homes, for our children, or even for small businesses. Our children now go to school late, or sometimes not at all, because there is no water to bathe them.”
The community is appealing for the construction of a new borehole or the rehabilitation of the existing dam to ensure reliable access to safe water. As the dry season persists, the residents of Manguli hope that their call for help will be heard and acted upon swiftly.
