Residents of Zongo, a densely populated suburb of Damongo in the West Gonja Municipality, are grappling with a worsening sanitation crisis, as the absence of basic facilities continues to expose the community to serious health and environmental risks.
A visit by Spear FM on May 11, 2026, revealed a troubling reality on the ground, with residents painting a grim picture of daily life in a community struggling without access to a proper toilet facility and an effective waste disposal system.
At the centre of the crisis is the complete lack of a functional public toilet, a situation that has compelled many residents to resort to open defecation. This practice, they say, is not only unsafe but strips them of dignity and privacy.
The Chief of Zongo, visibly worried about the situation, described the condition as both “unfortunate and unacceptable,” especially for vulnerable groups.
“Our elderly suffer the most. They cannot walk long distances, yet they have no choice but to look for any available place,” he lamented.
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Residents explained that at night, the situation becomes even more dangerous, particularly for women and children who risk exposure to harm while searching for places to relieve themselves.
From elders to the youth, there is a shared sense of neglect and frustration. Many residents say they feel abandoned despite being part of a municipal capital.
Women, in particular, expressed deep concern about the impact of poor sanitation on family health and daily living.
“We are doing our best to keep our homes clean, but the environment itself is not safe,” one woman told reporters.
Youth in the area also warned that the situation could worsen if urgent steps are not taken, noting that population growth in the community is increasing pressure on already non-existent facilities.
Beyond the lack of toilets, improper waste disposal has emerged as another major challenge. Without designated containers or a structured collection system, refuse is often dumped indiscriminately in open spaces.
During windy conditions, the problem escalates significantly. Residents say polythene bags and other waste materials are frequently blown into homes, contaminating water sources and disrupting cooking activities.
“When the wind blows, you will see rubbish flying into our water drums and even into the food we are preparing. It is very worrying,” a resident recounted.
The situation not only creates an unpleasant living environment but also heightens the risk of diseases such as cholera and other sanitation-related infections.
Residents recalled that the situation was relatively better in the past when there was some level of management over sanitation facilities. According to them, caretakers previously assigned to oversee toilet facilities ensured proper maintenance and sanitation practices.
However, the apparent breakdown of that system has left the community without any structured sanitation support.
The community is now making a passionate appeal to the West Gonja Municipal Assembly and other stakeholders to act swiftly.
Their demands includes construction of a modern, hygienic, and fenced public toilet facility, Provision of adequate waste containers across the community, Deployment of caretakers to manage facilities, Regular waste collection services to maintain cleanliness.
Residents insist that these interventions are not luxuries but basic necessities that every community deserves.
Poor sanitation remains one of the leading causes of disease outbreaks in many communities. For Zongo residents, the fear is that without immediate intervention, the area could face serious health emergencies.
As the situation unfolds, the people of Zongo are calling on authorities not just to listen, but to act and act urgently.
