GWCL to spill excess water from Weija Dam; residents asked to evacuate

With more consistent rainfall and the water levels of the Weija Dam gradually rising to the safe operating level of 47ft, the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) will begin spilling excess water from the dam as part of routine measures to safeguard it.

This is to ensure that the water is kept below the safe operating level of the dam in order to prevent it from possibly collapsing.

The Management of GWCL has warned the general public, as well as institutions or organizations who have properties downstream of the dam, to evacuate from the area to forestall any emergency situations and protect lives and properties as the opening of the spillway gates may cause flooding.

The GWCL has also begun a house-to-house sensitization and is also using public address systems within the communities to inform people about the spillage.

Opinion leaders, Chiefs, Assemblymen, Unit Committee leaders and Heads of schools have been informed to help in sensitizing the people in the communities.

GWCL is also liaising with the National Security to dredge the estuary to enable the easy flow of the spilt water into the sea.

Communities likely to be affected include; Tetegu, Oblogo, Pambros Salt, Lower McCarthy Hill, Lower Weija, Bojo Beach, Ada Kope, Tsokome and surrounding communities.

Property owners and residents are advised to evacuate or take immediate precautionary measures to protect life and property.

In 2016, a number of communities in the catchment area of the Weija Dam in the Ga South Municipality were gradually getting submerged, following the spillage of the dam by the GWCL.

Communities such as Tetegu, Oblogo, Pambros Salt, Lower McCarthy Hill, Weija, Bojo Beach and Ada Kokpe were inundated, while others, including Glefe and Opetekwei, are also seriously affected.

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