Gbetsile: Six-year-old girl drowns in septic tank while searching for water

A six-year-old girl has tragically died after reportedly drowning in an uncovered septic tank at Liberty Estate in Gbetsile while searching for water, triggering outrage and renewed concerns over water scarcity and child safety in the community.

The incident occurred on Sunday, May 24, 2026, when the child, identified as Abi, reportedly went to fetch water near a neighbour’s house. Residents said she accidentally fell into the uncovered septic tank and drowned before help could reach her.

The incident has left the community devastated, with many residents blaming the tragedy on the persistent lack of access to clean and reliable water in the area.

According to community members, children are frequently compelled to move from house to house in search of water because of ongoing shortages, exposing them to dangerous situations.

“This beautiful soul has been lost simply because there is no water,” a resident lamented.

Residents are calling on authorities to urgently address the water crisis and enforce stricter safety measures to ensure hazardous structures, such as septic tanks, are properly covered and secured.

The tragedy has sparked widespread concern within the community, with residents demanding immediate intervention to improve water access and prevent similar incidents in the future.