GWCL Warns Of Severe Water Supply Challenge In Cape Coast, Its Environs Due To Galamsey On River Pra
- The Ghana Water Company Limited in the Central Region has warned that illegal mining on the River Pra could affect the water supply to Cape Coast, Elmina and their environs
- The GWCL said the water in their catchment area of abstraction had been heavily polluted by silt, making it harder to purify
- The Company said it can produce only about 7,500m³/day, a quarter of its installed capacity
The management of the Ghana Water Company Limited in the Central Region says it is facing challenges in supplying potable water to Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding communities.
The GWCL stated that its challenge stems from the inadequacy of raw water received at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant (WTP) due to the activities of illegal miners on the River Pra.
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The GWCL, in a press statement issued on Friday, August 30, 2024, stated that the pollution of the River Pra, particularly at the catchment area for abstraction, has greatly affected water intake, reducing it to the barest minimum.
The GWCL explained that about 60 per cent of the catchment capacity is silted, which greatly affects raw water quality.
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It has been recording an average turbidity of 14,000 NTU instead of 2000 NTU expected for adequate treatment.
The situation has also affected the output of the plant.
The Company said it can produce only about 7,500m³/day, a quarter of its installed capacity.
It said the situation has caused severe inconvenience to customers and consumers.
Meanwhile, the company has called on stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the menace and has entreated all interest groups to join the fight against galamsey on the Pra River.
It also called on residents to report galamsey activities on the Pra River to community leaders, local assemblies and security personnel to handle the situation.
It also urged residents to support initiatives to protect water resources and promote sustainable water use practices.
It finally apologised to residents for the inconvenience caused by the erratic water supply.
Environmental activist condemns destruction of Pra
Climate and environmental activist Helena Ama Cromwell, described the pollution of the Pra River as a government failure to rein in the activities of illegal miners.
In an interview with YEN.com.gh, she stated that the government has been lax about the laws meant to protect water bodies and forests leading to the rampant exploitation and destruction of the environment.
She called for strengthening regulations and enforcing environmental laws to stem the menace.
“Rehabilitation efforts, such as reforestation and river desilting, can help restore the affected areas,” she said.
She further suggested, “educating communities about the dangers of galamsey and involving them in conservation efforts can foster a sense of responsibility.
“Providing alternative livelihoods for those involved in illegal mining can reduce dependence on galamsey.
“Finally, using technology for monitoring and regular water quality checks can help track progress and enforce compliance.”
Galamsey along Konongo-Accra highway halted
Illegal mining along the Konongo-Accra highway has been temporarily halted.
Residents have called for a sustained plan to prevent the illegal miners from returning to the site.
TV3 News first reported illegal mining along the highway in August, which polluted the Owerri River. The reports prompted action from the Asante Akim Central Municipal Security Council.
TV3 News reported that the reclamation of the degraded land has also begun.
Chief says government must provide alternative to galamsey
YEN.com.gh reported that the Chief of Akyem Wenchi, Daasebre Dr Asumadu Appiah, said efforts to curb illegal mining in Wenchi would be unsuccessful if the government does not provide alternative livelihoods for the youth.
He stated that illegal mining activities remain the largest employment source in the area, providing jobs to many unemployed youth.
He advised that the government introduce community mining schemes involving chiefs to help regularise and manage the resources.
Proofread by Berlinda Entsie, journalist and copy editor at YEN.com.gh
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Source: YEN.com.gh
