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‘Infection Spread’ Feared: Teshie Water Disaster Triggers Healthcare Emergency

Introduction

A severe and prolonged water scarcity in the Teshie-Nungua enclave of Accra has escalated into a critical public health emergency. What began as a municipal utility dispute has transformed into a life-threatening situation for thousands of residents. With the shutdown of the Teshie-Nungua Desalination Plant dragging on for months, local clinics are now warning of spiraling infection risks, while citizens face untenable living conditions. This article explores the causes of the crisis, the human cost, and the urgent need for a resolution to prevent a widespread health catastrophe.

Key Points

Background

The water crisis stems from the continued shutdown of the essential Teshie-Nungua Desalination Plant. This facility is a critical piece of infrastructure designed to convert seawater into potable drinking water, serving a vast portion of Accra’s coastal belt.

The Operational Shutdown

In October 2025, the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) ordered the closure of the plant. The decision was driven by unresolved contractual issues and significant unpaid debts owed to the plant’s operators. The GWCL initially stated that the shutdown was necessary to avoid further contractual difficulties and to ensure the facility’s protection.

However, what was anticipated to be a temporary measure has dragged on for months. Despite GWCL’s assurances of a swift resolution and promises of transient mitigation measures—such as supplying water via tankers—the situation has deteriorated. The lack of a reliable alternative supply has left entire communities without access to clean water for daily consumption and sanitation.

Analysis

The transition from a utility dispute to a humanitarian crisis is starkly visible in the region’s healthcare facilities. The lack of potable water has fundamentally broken the sanitation protocols required for safe medical care.

Compromised Hospital Hygiene

At the forefront of this crisis is the Camp 2 Health Centre in Teshie. Nurses describe a desperate environment where the absence of running water compromises basic sanitation. Without water to flush toilets or wash linens, the facility is becoming a breeding ground for pathogens.

One nurse described the grim reality of patient care: “When somebody has to use the washroom, and since there’s no water to flush immediately, the next person would also have to do that. And so there’s a pileup.” This accumulation of waste in medical facilities creates an immediate biohazard. The nurse concluded ominously, “So there really is going to be an infection spread.”

The Strain on Medical Staff

Medical professionals are bridging the gap at personal expense. Healthcare workers have resorted to dipping into their own pockets to purchase sachet water specifically for patient care. This stopgap measure is financially unsustainable for low-income nurses and doctors.

Furthermore, the lack of running water forces staff to use alcohol-based hand sanitizers as a substitute for washing hands. While sanitizers are effective to a degree, they cannot replace soap and water for removing dirt, organic matter, and certain types of bacteria. As another nurse noted, “We really have to show the buckets… because there is no water, sometimes you are tempted to use the sanitizer to wash your hands. And then too much of it too is not really good.” Over-reliance on sanitizers can lead to skin irritation and is less effective against certain gastrointestinal viruses common in waterborne outbreaks.

Practical Advice

For residents in the affected areas, the situation requires immediate vigilance and resource management. While the systemic fix lies with the GWCL and the plant operators, individuals can take steps to mitigate risks.

For Residents

Water Conservation: Prioritize water usage for drinking and essential hygiene. Store water in clean, covered containers to prevent mosquito breeding and contamination.

Hygiene Practices: If running water is unavailable, ensure that hands are washed thoroughly with soap and water (if available) or an alcohol-based sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) after using the restroom and before eating. Disinfect high-touch surfaces in the home regularly.

Health Monitoring: Be vigilant for symptoms of waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or fever. Seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms appear, especially in children and the elderly.

For Authorities

There is an urgent need for the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources to intervene as a mediator between GWCL and the desalination plant operators. Temporary water tanker services must be scaled up immediately to supply healthcare facilities, which should be treated as priority zones.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Teshie water crisis is a stark reminder of how fragile essential services are. A dispute over contracts and payments has paralyzed a vital desalination plant, leading to a breakdown in sanitation and a looming healthcare disaster. As nurses and residents spend their own money to secure the bare minimum—clean water—the situation demands immediate intervention. Unless a swift resolution is reached to restart the plant or provide a robust alternative supply, the “infection spread” feared by medical staff could become a widespread reality, turning a utility issue into a tragedy.

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily – Original Report on Teshie-Nungua Water Crisis (Published: 2026-01-12)
• Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) – Public Statements on Desalination Plant Operations
• Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources – Reports on Urban Water Supply