Apam (C/R), Dec. 23, GNA - A breakdown of the pumping machine at Winneba Water Works, has created critical water shortage at Apam, District capital of Gomoa West and its environs.

The people are therefore making desperate search for water at nearby communities, such as Ankamo, Gomoa Ajumako and Gomoa Nkoransa.

The area has been without water for more than six months and the water tankers that offer the commodity to them are not getting supplies due to the technical problem at the water works.

Pipelines from Winneba to the district have also become rusty and dysfunctional.

Mr Theophilus Aidoo-Mensah, District Chief Executive (DCE) told the Ghana News Agency that several attempts by past governments to sink wells= in the coastal area had failed due to the effect of the sea.

He appealed to the Ghana Water Company Limited to repair the pumps early enough for water to get to the people. Mr Aidoo-Mensah commended Central government for taking prompt steps= to acquire new pipes to replace the faulty ones, which are the bane of water=

shortage in the area. He said three contractors were on board to lay the pipelines on time= .. The DCE said the assembly had installed tanks at vantage points at Apam, Mumford and Dago, where the water shortage had hit most. He said currently a bucket of water was being sold for 20 Ghana Pesewas.

Mr Aidoo-Mensah appealed to Ghana Water Company Limited help provide water for the people during the Christmas and the New Year festivities.