The downpour in the Greater Accra Region has forced the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) to announce the spillage of the Weija Dam.
The GWCL has said in a statement that, “The Weija Dam level has risen from 37ft to 47.9ft within two days”.
The water level has exceeded the optimum operating level of the dam pegged at 47ft.
The Weija Dam, which sits on the Densu River, supplies about 80 per cent of the potable water for the entire city of Accra and its surrounding environs.
Communities around the Wieja Dam have been informed of the impending exercise to prevent any disasters downstream
Areas to be affected include Tetegu, Oblogo, Pambros Salt, Lower McCarthy Hill, Lower Weija, Bojo Beach, Ada Kope, Tsokome and surrounding communities.
Below is the full statement:
GWCL TO SPILL EXCESS WATER FROM THE WEIJA DAM
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.
