Councilors of Bangem Council have frowned over extortion and negligence by technicians which is a major cause of water shortages in Bangem.
The councilors were speaking on the 30th of December 2023 during the second ordinary session for 2023 dedicated to adopt a budget for 2024.
According to Councilor Nkumbe Kingsley, Chairperson of Hygiene and Sanitation Committee, water crisis in Bangem is a call for concern. He regretted that Bangem is blessed with fresh and portable water from the Muanenguba highlands yet the town still suffers from water shortages.
Nkumbe lamented that council technicians collect huge payments for the rehabilitation of taps within the town which was supposed to be done for free.
In addition, Councilor Ekane Godlove also disclosed that they have noticed that some of the council technicians are negligent and careless about the management of water issues. He disclosed that whenever private and public taps are bad, it will take long period of time for it to be rehabilitated. Ekane suggested that for proper management of water in Bangem, technicians should be partitioned in zones so that they could effectively arrest the situation when need arises.
Reaction to their worries, the Mayor of Bangem Council, Ekungwe Kang Christopher said the major issue with water problems in Bangem is the poor nature of the previous Bangem water rehabilitation project.
He said the rehabilitation of the entire project is at hand and it will solve the problem of water shortages. The Mayor also said that he has noticed the aspect of poor management at the level of the indigenes as such he is envisaging the introduction of water meters so as to control and better manage the consumption and mismanagement rate of individuals.
Concerning the aspect of extortion by council plumbers, the Mayor called on the Bangem population to always call the council directly when in need of their services and it will rendered for free.
Mayor Ekungwe also said for the aspect of negligence on the part of the council plumbers, he assured that some technicians will soon be retiring for the future. He said this is to ensure that all water issues are addressed timely.
Street Lights
Also during the session, councilor Epolle Anna Akang was worried over the delay in opening new streets in Bangem. She said during the last Administrative and Management Account Session of the Council, they resolved on the opening of new streets. She pleaded with the Mayor to revisit this resolution that will add to the beauty of the town.
Responding to this worry, Mayor Ekungwe assured that in 2024, new streets shall be opened slongside the installation of new street lights.
By Glovise Forsoh
