Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has announced the shutdown of its Kwanyako Headworks due to significant damage caused by illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as "galamsey," along the Ayensu River in the Eastern Region.
The closure has led to a critical water supply shortage affecting multiple communities in the Central Region. According to GWL, both intake pumps at the facility failed as a result of excessive siltation, a direct consequence of upstream illegal mining operations contaminating the river.
The Kwanyako Headworks comprises two treatment plants: the original plant commissioned in 1964 with a capacity of 14,000 cubic meters per day, and a more modern facility built in 2007, capable of treating 21,000 cubic meters per day. Before the breakdown, the facility supplied over 25,000 cubic meters of treated water daily.
Following the failure, GWL engaged underwater divers to inspect the damage. Their findings recommended urgent desilting of the clogged pumps and dredging of the Ayensu River. However, engineers and company officials have warned that these interventions will be ineffective unless illegal mining activities in the river basin are permanently stopped.
The shutdown has left residents in affected areas with no access to treated water, forcing them to rely on potentially unsafe sources for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. Health experts have raised concerns about the increased risk of waterborne diseases and other public health emergencies.
GWL is appealing for immediate government intervention and strict enforcement of environmental regulations to prevent further degradation of water sources vital to the region’s well-being.
Source: theghanareport
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