Residents warned as Weija Dam spills excess water

Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) says it will begin spilling excess water from the Weija Dam as it warns residents to evacuate. Communities that are likely to be affected include: Tetegu, Oblogo, Pambros Salt, Lower McCarthy Hill, Lower Weija, Bojo Beach, Ada Kope, Tsokome and surrounding communities. This is part of routine measures to safeguard the dam, GWCL said in a statement on Tuesday, without stating when the spillage would be done. “With the onset of the rains, the water level is rising and getting close to the safe operating level of 47ft. Like every dam, its safe operating levels are maintained to prevent it from possible collapse.” Management of GWCL has therefore warned persons or institutions with properties downstream of possible flood as it opens the spillway gates. “As a result, we urge people living in communities downstream and along the buffer zone close to the river course to evacuate the area to forestall any eventualities in order to protect life and property.” According to the statement, GWCL has begun a house-to-house sensitization as well as using public address systems within the communities. Opinion leaders, chiefs, assemblymen, unit committee leaders and heads of schools have all been asked to help in sensitizing the people in the communities. GWCL, the statement said, is also liaising with the National Security to dredge the estuary to enable easy flow into the sea. Meanwhile, the spillage is coming at a time residents in the catchment area and some parts of the capital, Accra, have been complaining of not having water flowing through their taps for days. GWCL had noted in April this year that four of the 12 water filters at the Weija Water Treatment Plan have broken down. Source: 3news.com | Ghana]]>