Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has shut down its Kwanyako Headworks, leading to a severe water shortage in the Central Region. The intake pumps at both treatment plants within the Headworks have broken down due to significant silt accumulation. Officials attribute this issue to heavy silting of the Ayensu River, which is a consequence of illegal mining activities upstream in the Eastern Region.
The old treatment plant, which was commissioned in 1964, has a production capacity of 14,000 cubic meters, while the new plant, commissioned in 2007, has a capacity of 21,000 cubic meters. Before this disruption, the Headworks was producing and supplying over 25,000 cubic meters of water daily, but production has now come to a complete halt.
Divers hired to assess the condition of the underwater pumps have recommended desilting the pumps. They also suggested dredging the river. However, officials at the Kwanyako Headworks have noted that dredging may not have a significant impact if illegal mining activities continue. As a result, residents in affected communities are currently dependent on unsafe water sources for both domestic and commercial needs.
Source: Akwasi Addo
