Water supply to Kyebi and surrounding areas in the Eastern Region has been cut following what the Ghana Water Company describes as the pollution of the Birim River. The company blames the situation on the operations of illegal miners. Officials say the river has been so polluted that it is now unsafe. Communications Manager for the Ghana Water Company Stanley Martey told Joy News “the activities of galamsey operators have rendered the place almost unusable." "They have diverted the course of the river so we are unable to [pump] water from our intake point for production." He said the chemical used by the operators, including mercury, has made the water toxic. Stanley Martey said they have to shut down. Currently the company is depending on one bore hole to provide water for the people which he has described as woefully inadequate. He stated they have had to ration water for the people in the vicinity. Mr. Martey said the Ghana Water Company is liaising with government to make alternative arrangement to supply the people of Kyebi with water. Source: Joy News/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana