The Ghana Water Company (GWCL) has raised concerns over the relentless illegal mining activities in the Pra River, which are severely disrupting their operations.
According to the Company’s management in the Central Region, the water supply in Cape Coast, Elmina, and neighbouring communities has been drastically affected, leaving residents in dire straits.
For days, taps in these areas have run dry, forcing customers to cope with the worsening situation as the once reliable water flow has been cut off.
The Company’s ability to provide clean, accessible water is being compromised, with illegal mining casting a long shadow over the region’s water security.
The recent Demand-Supply gap, according to the Ghana Water Company, is a result of inadequate raw water received at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant (WTP) as a result of galamsey.
The Water Company says the pollution of the Pra River along its course and most especially at the catchment for abstraction has reduced water embankment to the barest minimum.
The company further indicates that about 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 can produce only about (7,500m³/day), a quarter of its installed capacity,” the statement indicated.
This situation has led to significant inconvenience for customers and consumers alike. Currently, the company is actively engaging with all stakeholders in a bid to find a lasting solution to the issue.
“We are by this announcement entreating all interest groups to join the fight against galamsey on the River Pra, especially during this festive period.
“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.”
The Water Company is thus courting the assistance of all in helping to restore the quality of the raw water and ensure a reliable water supply of clean drinking water, especially as they commence the celebration of the Oguaa Fetu Afahye, a festival celebrated by the chiefs and people of Cape Coast.