The Volta Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) warned residents living near the River Tordze about its contamination following an agrochemical spill.
In a statement, the Chief Director, Augustus Awity explained that a truck carrying agrochemicals overturned at Tove in the Republic of Togo, spilling its contents into the Tordze River, a tributary of the Volta River.
According to the RCC, the incident occurred on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
The affected areas include Kpedze, Luvudo, Honuta, Aflakpe, Klave, Shia, Nyive, Atikpui, Nyitoe, Kpadzaxor, Agotime Apegame, Agotime Kpetoe, Agotime Adedome, and Adaklu, with the contamination extending into the River Volta.
Residents in these communities have therefore been advised against using the water for any purpose.
The statement emphasised the urgency of assessing the level of contamination in the Tordze River and adjoining water bodies before they can be deemed safe for human activity, including fishing.
“The Volta Regional Coordinating Council is therefore warning all individuals and communities that rely on River Tordze (including those in the Agotime-Ziope District and downstream areas) for drinking, fishing, irrigation, or washing to abstain from using the water until it is confirmed safe for human and animal consumption,” the statement advised.
Meanwhile, all affected Municipal and District Assemblies have been instructed to provide alternative water sources for impacted communities until the contamination is fully investigated and resolved.
Read the full statement below:
