Lashibi Community Day Senior High School (SHS) has not had water supply from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) for eight months now.
Given this, the school spends GH¢80 weekly to purchase water from tankers for flushing toilets to reduce the adverse consequences of bad sanitation.
Mrs. Vida Antwi, Headmistress of the school, told the media that the GWCL said the school’s location was a developing area, therefore, it would have to endure the non-supply of water for some time, as the company mobilises to extend its service lines to the area, Community 14.
“But all the huge private residences around the school have water supply from the company, Ghana Water, which was supplying the school water until these last eight months. As far as I know, the school is not indebted to the company,” Mrs. Antwi explained in Twi to some newsmen who were the guests of Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah, the Member of Parliament (MP) for West Tema, who was in the school to donate 300 sets of imported tables and chairs.
The Headmistress said the school had informed the West Tema Assembly of the dire financial challenge, buying water weekly, was having on it, but was yet to hear from the Assembly, which promised to talk to the Ghana National Fire Service to regularly supply the school with water.
“So, until the Assembly comes to our aid with its promise, we will have to continue buying water from tankers at GH¢80,” Mrs. Antwi said.
While she commended the MP for honouring his promise to the school within three weeks, Mrs. Antwi requested more assistance for the school which started operation in 2019 with about 100 students.
“We need more furniture in our library and classrooms for the increasing enrolment. This year, the school will be a centre for BECE and WASSCE, therefore, our request for the urgent need for more tables and chairs.
“Lastly, our computer lab is empty. We want [the] authorities to remember this school when they are supplying computers to the schools in the country,” Mrs. Antwi said.
Carlos Ahenkorah assured the school of lobbying the sector ministry for computers and a subsequent connection with wifi to enhance the teaching and learning of ICT.
The MP later went to his alma mater, Tema Senior High School (TEMASCO), where he made a similar presentation and an additional 200 dual beds and mattresses.
Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, Headmaster of the school, thanked the MP for the gesture, which, he said, was not the first time the MP was supporting his former school.
He said the MP responded to the school’s request immediately after he was written to, “and TEMASCO is so proud to have you as a role model for these young ones.”
