Students at Nalerigu Senior High School in the North East Region report that a prolonged water shortage has halted their evening study sessions, compelling many to spend their nights searching for water rather than preparing for upcoming examinations.
The school’s water supply system has been nonfunctional for nearly a month, leaving students with no choice but to venture into Nalerigu township and nearby streams in search of essential resources like drinking and bathing water.
Water Crisis Forces Students to Prioritize Water Collection
According to the affected students, this crisis has significantly interrupted their academic routines; time typically allocated for evening preparation is now consumed by efforts to locate adequate water supplies.
A Form Two student expressed concern:
“Our study time during the night is almost nonexistent because we are predominantly occupied with finding water. By the time we get back, we’re too exhausted to focus on our studies.”
Major Challenges Reported by Students
- Evening study time has been disrupted.
- Students spend hours searching for water.
- Fatigue prevents effective learning after returning.
- Academic preparation for examinations has been severely affected.
Female Students Report Harassment While Fetching Water
Female students have reported facing harassment while seeking out sources of water beyond campus boundaries.
One anonymous student shared her distressing experience:
“For example, some individuals keep giving me their phone numbers asking me to call them. I don’t want these contacts but feel compelled to accept them since I need access to clean bathing facilities.”
Concerns Raised by Female Students
- Harassment while searching for water.
- Feeling pressured into accepting unwanted contact information.
- Safety concerns when leaving campus in search of water.
Poor Sanitation Conditions Emerge on Campus
In addition to undermining educational pursuits, the lack of sufficient running water has deteriorated sanitation conditions within the school premises.
The absence of reliable toilet and bathroom access due primarily to limited water availability has led some students resorting increasingly towards open defecation practices.
Moreover, they note that refuse accumulation on campus is becoming more pronounced as improper disposal methods—particularly concerning used sanitary products—emerge as escalating health hazards.
Health and Sanitation Challenges
- Deteriorating sanitation facilities.
- Limited access to toilets and bathrooms.
- Increased cases of open defecation.
- Accumulation of refuse on campus.
- Improper disposal of used sanitary products.
- Growing public health concerns.
Students Appeal for Immediate Intervention
The student body urges immediate intervention from school officials along with support from Ghana Education Service and government authorities aimed at restoring consistent potable water supply critical not only for hygiene but also pivotal in safeguarding both well-being and academic achievement during this crucial period of intense studying.
Students’ Appeal
Students are calling on:
- School authorities.
- Ghana Education Service (GES).
- Government authorities.
Their request is for the immediate restoration of a reliable water supply to improve hygiene, sanitation, student safety, and academic performance.
School Authorities Yet to Respond
Attempts made by MyJoyOnline journalists seeking comments from Headmaster Mr. Mohammed and PTA Chairman Stephen Iddi were unsuccessful; multiple calls and text messages remained unanswered.
