Ghana water begins spillage of Weija Dam today

Management of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has served notice to the general public, that it has begun spillage of excess water from the Weija dam from 6:00 am today, Tuesday, March 30, 2021.

Consequently, GWCL has informed residents as well as institutions who have properties downstream of the imminent danger and therefore, must take the necessary precautionary measures.

“This has become necessary because of the sudden rise of the level of the dam from 46.2 feet to 48.1 feet with a 24-hour period. The safe operating level of the Weija Dam is 47ft, however, the level has risen to 48.1ft within a day, thereby prompting the spillage exercise to prevent a possible collapse of the dam,” GWCL said in a statement.

Previous spillages resulted in flooding, submerging of people’s homes and farms, and loss of property.

Affected communities include; Tetegu, Oblogo, Pambros Salt, Lower McCarthy Hill, Lower Weija, Bojo Beach, Ada Kopey and surrounding communities.

The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), the National Security, Bureau of National Investigation (BNI), Chiefs, District Assembly, opinion leaders and all stakeholders downstream the dam have been informed to be in readiness or evacuate the area to avoid any eventuality.

In 2018, schoolchildren crossing over to their schools over the banks of the dam were faced with difficulties as they had to cross over in canoes of fishermen in precarious situations.

Depending on their numbers, a ride cost each pupil GH¢1 or 50Gp to cross over; those that could not afford it were left stranded.