GWCL to spill excess Water from Weija Dam

The management of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has advised Institutions, organizations and inhabitants living around the Weija Dam to evacuate to enable the spillage of excess water from the dam as the level rise from 37ft to 47.9ft within two days.

The affected communities include; Tetegu, Oblogo, Pambros Salt, Lower McCarthy Hill, Lower Weija, Bojo Beach, Ada Kope, Tsokome and surrounding communities.

This was contained in a release signed by the Director of Communication of the company, Stanley Martey to inform residents about their plans.

“Opinion leaders, Chiefs, Assemblymen, Unit Committee leaders and Heads of schools have been informed to help in sensitizing the people in the communities. GWCL is also liaising with institutions like National Security and NADMO to support the process to avoid disaster”, the statement said.

The statement further cautioned settlers and residents on the repercussions of their continuous stay within the buffer zone.

Detailed Press Release by GWCL

Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) wishes to bring to the attention of the general public that, the Weija Dam level has risen from 37ft to 47.9ft within two days. As a result, the company will begin spilling excess water from the Dam as part of routine measures to safeguard it. The safe operating level of the dam is 47ft. Like every dam, its safe operating levels are maintained to prevent it from possible collapse. Hence, the spillage.

Management of GWCL therefore wishes to inform the general public as well as institutions and organizations who have properties downstream of the dam, that the opening of the spillway gates is inevitable and possibly cause flooding.  Therefore, the company urges inhabitants living in communities downstream and along the buffer zone of the river course, to evacuate the area to forestall any eventualities and also to protect life and property.

GWCL has begun a house to house sensitization and using public information address systems within the communities, to caution settlers and residents on the repercussions of their continuous stay within the buffer zone. Opinion leaders, Chiefs, Assemblymen, Unit Committee leaders and Heads of schools have been informed to help in sensitizing the people in the communities. GWCL is also liaising with institutions like National Security and NADMO to support the process to avoid disaster.

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.

Property owners and residents in the area are therefore advised to evacuate or take immediate precautionary measures to protect life and property.

Source: Eric Nii Sackey || ghananewsonline.com.gh