Students of Bimbilla Senior High School in the Northern Region are grappling with a severe water crisis that is disrupting their education and daily lives. The persistent shortage of potable water has reached alarming levels, forcing students to spend hours searching for water instead of focusing on their studies.
Many of them miss lectures, while others risk their lives crossing the busy Eastern Corridor Highway in a desperate attempt to find drinking water.
The crisis in Bimbilla, within the Nanumba North Municipality, has significantly affected students’ well-being, making even the most basic daily activities, such as bathing and washing, a struggle. The situation has compelled many students to roam the town at dawn and late at night with gallons in hand, hoping to find water. Some go for days without bathing, leading to discomfort and hygiene-related concerns.
Speaking to Channel One News, several students expressed their frustration over the dire situation. They described how the water crisis is affecting their education, causing exhaustion, lack of concentration, and, in some cases, health complications.
“The main challenge here at Bimbilla Senior High School is water. We face serious difficulties accessing water, and this is seriously affecting our studies. We lose concentration in class—sometimes, the teacher will be teaching, and you will see students sleeping, all because they spent long hours searching for water,” one student lamented.
Another student echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the struggle they endure daily.
“The water crisis in Bimbilla is very serious, and we, the students, are affected the most. At dawn or in the evening, we are all over town searching for water instead of focusing on our studies. The government must come to our aid because this is making life unbearable for us.”
The absence of a reliable water supply in the school has placed immense stress on both students and staff. With no immediate solution in sight, the burden continues to grow, impacting not just academic performance but also students’ overall health. Reports indicate that some students suffer from dehydration due to prolonged exposure to the sun while searching for water. Others develop skin-related infections from using contaminated water sources.
Teachers and school authorities have also expressed concern over the crisis, warning that it is negatively affecting discipline and academic progress. They fear that if urgent action is not taken, the situation could lead to a decline in overall academic performance and a potential health crisis among students.
The water crisis in Bimbilla is not new. The municipality has struggled with water shortages for years, with residents constantly calling on authorities to address the problem. However, the increasing student population at Bimbilla Senior High School has made the situation even worse, as the existing infrastructure is inadequate to meet the growing demand.
Local water sources, such as wells and boreholes, often run dry, leaving students with no option but to fetch water from distant locations. Some students rely on water vendors who sell small quantities at high prices, placing an additional financial burden on them. Others resort to unclean water sources, exposing themselves to waterborne diseases.
Parents and guardians of the students have also voiced their frustration, stating that the situation is unacceptable and calling on the government to intervene immediately. Many believe that a long-term solution, such as the construction of a reliable water supply system for the school, should be prioritized.
A parent, whose child is a student at Bimbilla SHS, expressed disappointment over the recurring water shortage, stating that it is unfair for students to endure such hardships while trying to gain an education.
“Our children went to school to study, not to struggle for water every day. This is a serious issue, and the government must act immediately. How do you expect students to perform well when they spend half of their time looking for water? Something must be done now,” the concerned parent stated.
Authorities within the Nanumba North Municipality have acknowledged the water crisis but have yet to provide a lasting solution. Municipal officials have stated that efforts are being made to improve the water supply in Bimbilla, but students and residents remain unconvinced, as the situation continues to worsen.
Meanwhile, civil society organizations and advocacy groups have begun calling on the government and relevant agencies to take urgent steps to address the issue. They emphasize that access to clean and safe water is a basic human right and should not be a privilege for students.
Education experts have also warned that prolonged water shortages in schools can have far-reaching consequences. Apart from academic disruptions, the situation could lead to a rise in absenteeism, as students may opt to stay home rather than endure the daily struggle for water. Additionally, poor hygiene due to a lack of water could result in outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and typhoid, further threatening students’ health.
Given the worsening nature of the crisis, many believe that a multi-stakeholder approach is needed. While the government has a responsibility to provide sustainable solutions, private sector players and non-governmental organizations could also play a role in assisting the school with water supply interventions. Some have suggested that corporate bodies and philanthropists should step in to provide boreholes, water storage systems, or even mobile water tankers to mitigate the crisis in the short term.
As students continue to struggle with the daily reality of water scarcity, their hopes rest on the authorities taking decisive action to address the problem. With the increasing attention being drawn to the crisis, many are hopeful that solutions will be implemented soon to ensure that Bimbilla Senior High School students can focus on their studies without the constant worry of where their next bucket of water will come from.
Until a solution is found, the students remain resilient, but their patience is wearing thin. They are pleading for urgent intervention, calling on the government, municipal authorities, and all relevant stakeholders to step up and provide the necessary resources to end their suffering.
