– In District #9, Nimba County
By SHALLON S. GONLOR |
shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
ZUOTUO TOWN, Nimba County — More than 2,000 residents of Zuotuo Town rely on unsafe creek and open well water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. All five hand pumps in the community have been broken for three years.
Residents say the pumps suffered extensive damage beyond routine maintenance.
Families now depend on nearby creeks and unprotected wells, exposing them to waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, particularly among children and the elderly.
The creek serving as the main water source is a 15-minute walk from town. Severely deteriorated roads and damaged wooden bridges have isolated the community from neighboring towns and health facilities.
The shorter route connecting Zuotuo to Zeogehn Town and the Tappita JFD Hospital remains in critical condition and has never benefited from government road equipment since the town was established decades ago.
Community members built the wooden bridges through self-help efforts, but residents say the structures have become death traps. Farmers struggle to transport agricultural produce to markets, and access to healthcare and other essential services is limited, especially during the rainy season.
Zuotuo Town falls under Electoral District #9, represented in the House of Representatives by Taa Wongbe. Senior citizen Benedict Wehyee said the situation has become a daily struggle for the community.
“People drink from this creek. They wash here, and when there is no other option, they drink the creek and open well water,” Wehyee said.
He alleged that Representative Wongbe has neglected development initiatives and failed to respond to numerous appeals made through his office staff.
“Since the election, Representative Taa Wongbe has been very difficult to reach us. Maybe he feels we live in the lowest part of the district. We have been communicating with his office staff, but no attention has been given to our concerns,” Wehyee claimed.
Residents from other towns across District #9 have voiced similar complaints, accusing the lawmaker of failing to prioritize development despite repeated appeals.
They also stressed that inadequate healthcare services place pregnant women, children, and elderly citizens at heightened risk because many must travel long distances to receive medical attention.
Alvin Leiah warned that delays in accessing emergency healthcare could cost lives and alleged that campaign promises have not resulted in meaningful development projects.
Beyond the water and road crises, Zuotuo Public School faces serious challenges.
The school enrolled about 2,000 students for the 2025/2026 academic year, but authorities said a significant number later dropped out.
The school registrar said many parents withdraw their children to assist with farming activities, resulting in high absenteeism.
Others cannot afford registration fees of L3,000 for early childhood education.
The school itself has deteriorating classrooms, damaged sanitation facilities, and a non-functional hand pump.
Residents further complained about inadequate telecommunications, noting that the town receives only limited Lonestar network coverage, which they say is insufficient to serve a population of more than 2,000 people.
Community elders, women, and youth are appealing to Representative Wongbe and the Nimba County Administration to urgently construct new hand pumps and restore access to safe drinking water.
“We are calling on our Representative Taa Wongbe and the Nimba County Administration to come to our aid by building hand pumps. The situation with safe drinking water is becoming unbearable,” Wehyee said.
Residents also appealed for road rehabilitation, saying the poor conditions continue to hinder movement and economic activity. “The bridges have become death traps. We are calling upon our leaders to help us with good roads,” Wehyee added.
They emphasized that development should be inclusive and equitable, urging leaders to prioritize the welfare of all citizens regardless of location. Residents warned that without immediate intervention, the health and future of the younger generation remain at risk.
Despite the longstanding challenges, residents said they remain hopeful that meaningful government intervention and sustained development initiatives will eventually improve living conditions and restore public confidence across the district.
