The management of Ghana Water Company Limited in the Central Region has announced recent challenges with water supply in Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding communities.

According to them, the recent demand-supply gap is due to inadequate raw water received at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant (WTP) caused by illegal mining (galamsey) activities.

This information was contained in a press statement signed and issued by the Central Regional Office of GWL on Friday, August 30.

The statement noted that pollution of the Pra River, especially at the catchment area for abstraction, has significantly reduced water intake to the barest minimum.

“About sixty per cent (60%) of the catchment capacity is silted as a result of illegal mining (galamsey) compromising the quality of raw water. 

“We are currently recording an average turbidity of 14,000 NTU instead of 2000 NTU designed for adequate treatment,” part of the statement read.

It further mentioned that the plant is currently able to produce only about 7,500m³/day, a quarter of its installed capacity, noting that the situation has caused severe inconvenience to customers and consumers and apologised for the disruption.

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“The company is engaging all stakeholders to find a lasting solution to this. We are by this announcement entreating all interest groups to join the fight against galamsey on the River Pra, especially during this festive period,” GWL further said.

They urged residents to report any illegal mining activities to their community leaders, and local assemblies, and support initiatives to protect water bodies and promote sustainable water use practices.

“Your assistance is crucial in helping us restore the quality of the raw water, and ensure a reliable water supply of clean drinking water especially as we celebrate our most cherished festival,” the statement added.