By Samuel Flomo, Jr.
Residents of Jarkai Town in Bong County, have reported drinking from nearby creeks with their livestock.
This, they said is one of the most heartbreaking and unacceptable conditions in any part of the county.
They meanwhile, feel being condemned to a decade-long struggle for safe drinking water, surviving only on contaminated creeks.
The Town Chief Joseph Kpanila, told this newspaper that residents are feeling being been abandoned by those who should be protecting their welfares.
Kpanila described the community water crisis as “a complete failure of leadership,” accusing authorities of neglecting the basic rights of the residents.
He added: “Jarkai residents are forced to walk long distances to fetch creek water that is visibly unsafe for consumption.”
Chief Kpanila said, instead of progress, the community has been left to drink mud, while their appeals for safe drink water from hand pumps continue to fall on deaf ears.
He said repeated pleas to district leaders, including District #4 Representative, Robert Flomo Wombah, have yielded no results.
“We have spoken, written, begged, and waited. Every year they come here with promises. Every election season, they talk about development. But look at us, ten years back, and we are still drinking from the same creeks like we are not human beings.”
He said the situation has exposed the community to serious health risks, with frequent cases of diarrhea, skin infections, and other waterborne diseases.
Yet, nothing has been done, and no official has taken responsibility.
“What kind of leadership ignores a whole community cry for water?” Kpanila rhetorically questioned.
“Is clean drinking water now a privilege reserved only for towns close to the city? Are we not citizens of Bong County? Are our children not important?”
Residents have meanwhile, demanded urgent intervention, insisting that they cannot continue living under such degrading conditions.
They say Jarkai Town has been left behind for too long, and the continued silence from their leaders is an insult to their dignity.
As the situation worsens, Chief Kpanila warned that the community patience is wearing thin.
“We will not remain quiet anymore. Our leaders must explain why we are suffering for something as basic as water?”
Rep. Womba admitted that he received a communication from the people of Jarkai Town, but said, he will reach out to the community at the soonest possible time.