Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has announced that illegal mining activities are causing major delays in the water supply to the people of Cape Coast, Elmina, and nearby areas in the Central Region.
GWCL has linked the considerable drop in water availability at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to the severe pollution, and of the Pra River, which serves as a main water supply.
“The recent Demand-Supply gap is as a result of inadequate raw water received at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant (WTP) as a result of galamsey. Pollution of the Pra River along its course and most especially at the catchment for abstraction has reduced water embarkment to the bearest minimum.”
In a statement dated August 30, 2024, GWCL reported that the pollution has reduced the water treatment plant’s operational capacity to 25%, producing only 7,500 cubic meters of water daily, and 60% of the catchment area is silted.
“About Sixty percent (60%) of the catchment capacity is silted as a result of illegal mining (galamsey) compromising the quality of raw water. We are currently recording an average turbidity of 14,000 NTU instead of 2000 NTU designed for adequate treatment. Currently, the plant is able to produce only about (7,500m³/day), a quarter of its installed capacity.”
GWCL has addressed consumer inconvenience and calling on the public to help fight illegal mining activities along the River Pra to ensure reliable water supply during the festive season.
“This situation has caused severe inconveniences to our Customers and Consumers and we sincerely apologize for this. The company is engaging all stakeholders to find a lasting solution to this. We are by this announcement entreating all interest groups to join the fight against galamsey on the River Pra, especially during this festive period.”
In order to restore the quality of water and provide access to clean drinking water, GWCL has pleaded with people in the community to report any illegal mining activities and help protect water bodies.
“Kindly report any form of illegal mining activity to your community leaders, local assembly, etc., and support our initiatives to protect our water bodies, and promote sustainable water use practices. Your assistance is crucial in helping us restore the quality of the raw water and ensure a reliable water supply of clean drinking water especially as we celebrate our most cherished festival.”
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