The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has warned that the country could be importing water by 2020 if water bodies across the nation are not properly managed.
The caution comes following water shortages in some communities across the country in the last few weeks.
Residents in the Northern region, especially in Yendi and its environs, have complained bitterly about the shortage of water in their communities as a result of the dry harmattan season.
The Communications Director of the Ghana Water Company Limited, Stanley Mantey said the rate of evaporation of water bodies across the country has become alarming and unless there is rain, there will be consequences for some communities.
According to him, the shortage of water in some communities is as a result of bad farming practices, illegal felling of trees and galamsey activities.
He warned that if measures are not adopted to protect the water bodies in the country, then Ghana could be importing water by the year 2020.
He explained that more rivers across the country will dry up if residents do not change their attitude towards water preservation, adding that “posterity will not forgive us if that happens”.
Touching on the dire situation in the Northern region, Mr Mantey said if the rains do not come soon enough in Yendi, the river, which is their only source of water, will evaporate completely.
He further stated that the Tano river also risks drying up, with the river fast depleting due to contamination.
The GWCL spokesperson, however, assured that “no community will go without water for two days”, saying the Company has begun a rationing arrangement for all affected communities.
He further disclosed that a time table will soon be provided to guide consumers as to when the tap for each area will be opened or closed.
