Mining upstream in the PRA River has compelled the Ghana Water Company to cut down water production 30%

Mining upstream in the Pra River has compelled the Ghana Water Company to cut down water production in the Central Region by 30%, leading to portable water supply challenge.

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) says it has had to reduce water production by 30% in the Central region. The situation has led to an acute water shortage in the region.

According to the Regional Chief Manager of GWCL, Seth Eric Atiapah, the company was forced to reduce its production capacity due to the severely polluted water, which results from illegal mining activities.

He said Sekyere-Hemang plant revealed that galamsey activities have narrowed the intake canal, muddied the water, and clogged up the sump of the plant, significantly reducing the flow of water to the plant.

According to the Regional Chief Manager of GWCL, Seth Eric Atiapah, the company was forced to reduce its production capacity due to the severely polluted water, which results from illegal mining activities.

Speaking at a dredging exercise at the plant intake to address the acute water shortage, he explained that the level of contamination of the water has significantly increased the cost of production.

“I think this plant was designed with a turbidity level of about 500MNU. Late last week, we received as much as 7500, so you can see that it is almost water that cannot be treated.

“Now we have to use more potent chemicals at very exorbitant prices. I think three to four times more expensive than the conventional alum that we use.

“So these days you will hear of polymer or poly-electrolyte, more potent but very expensive chemicals.”

Mercy Addai/ Ahotoronline.com