A severe water shortage has struck the city of Sassandra in Côte d'Ivoire, leaving households and services without access to clean drinking water for several days. The issue arose from a technical problem, according to a report by the Agence ivoirienne de presse (AIP) on September 19, 2026. As a result, residents have been forced to rely on their stored water reserves, wells in certain neighborhoods, or a nearby source in the village of Drewin.
The interruption of the water supply has significantly impacted the daily lives of Sassandra's residents. With their reserves dwindling, some households have resorted to hiring tricycle drivers to transport water from various points of supply. Recently transferred civil servants to the city are also struggling with the situation, which is affecting their daily activities. The water shortage has added to the existing challenges faced by the city, including frequent electricity outages.
According to a source close to the local office of the Société de distribution d'eau de Côte d'Ivoire (SODECI), a technical issue is believed to be the cause of the water supply disruption. However, the exact nature of the problem and the expected timeframe for a return to normalcy remain unclear. This latest water shortage comes as Sassandra is also experiencing regular electricity cuts, which are affecting households and certain economic activities.
The combined effect of water and electricity shortages is causing significant inconvenience to families in Sassandra. The repeated interruptions have resulted in damage to some electrical appliances. To mitigate the impact, companies in the rubber and palm oil sectors have installed generators to ensure continuity of their operations. However, this solution comes with additional costs related to fuel procurement.
The situation has prompted residents and businesses to seek assistance from the relevant authorities to address the issues of water and electricity supply in the city. Efforts are underway to engage with the authorities and find a lasting solution to the problem. The Sassandra community is hopeful that a resolution will be found soon to alleviate their suffering.
The water shortage has also highlighted the resilience of Sassandra's residents, who have had to adapt to the situation by finding alternative means of accessing clean water. While some have turned to wells and nearby sources, others have relied on their stored reserves or hired tricycle drivers to transport water. The experience has underscored the importance of reliable access to basic services like water and electricity.
As the situation continues to unfold, the people of Sassandra remain optimistic that the authorities will take swift action to address the technical issues and restore normalcy to the city's water and electricity supply. The Agence ivoirienne de presse (AIP) will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Key points
- A technical issue has caused a water shortage in Sassandra, Côte d'Ivoire, affecting households and services.
