Relocate To Safer Places - Ghana Water Company Warns Weija And It's Environs

Ghana Water Company Limited has advised residents of Weija and its environs in Accra to relocate to safer housing as it prepares to release excess water from a dam in the area.

This has been an annual GWCL tradition.

As of Friday, April 28, 2023, the dam's water level was only one foot below the 47-foot secure operating level, necessitating the release of excess water to prevent endangering the structure.

Mr. Stanley Martey, GWCL's Chief Manager of Public Relations and Communication, issued the following statement: "With the onset of the rains, the management of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) wishes to inform the public, particularly citizens living downstream of the Weija Dam, that it will soon begin spilling excess water from the dam."

The management of GWCL is issuing a warning to downstream residents to evacuate the area in order to prevent any untoward events.

"As of Friday, April 28, 2023, the level of the dam is 46 feet, which is 1 foot below the maximum safe operating level of 47 feet." "The dam's levels are monitored hourly, and the GWCL will not hesitate to open the spill gates if the water level rises above 46,5 feet in order to preserve the dam's integrity and avert a disaster," the statement warned.

The company noted: "The Municipal Assembly has also been notified to de-silt the estuary to facilitate the water's flow into the sea and to remove refuse piles along the river's course."

"The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), national security, chiefs of Weija, Ogblogo, Tetegu, Weija, Gbawe, opinion leaders, and all stakeholders, including institutions and organizations with properties downstream, have been notified of the development and current situation at the dam," the statement continued.

Tetegu, Oblogo, Pambros Salt, Lower McCarthy Hill, Lower Weija, Bojo Beach, Adakope, and the surrounding communities are likely to be affected.

Below is the complete statement from GWCL.

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

Date: April 28th, 2023

ATTN: NEWS EDITOR

WEIJA DAM WATER SPILLAGE EARLY WARNING

The Management of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) wishes to inform the public, particularly those residing downstream of the Weija Dam, that it will shortly begin releasing excess water from the dam.

As of Friday, April 28, 2023, the level of the Dam is 46 feet, 1 foot below the utmost safe operating level of 47 feet. The dam levels are monitored hourly, and the GWCL will not hesitate to release the spill gates if the water level rises above 46,5 feet in order to preserve the integrity of the dam and prevent a catastrophe.

The management of GWCL is issuing a warning to residents living downstream to evacuate the area in order to prevent any calamity. In addition, the Municipal Assembly has been notified to de-silt the estuary to facilitate the water's movement into the sea and to remove garbage piles along the river's course. The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), National Security, Chiefs of Weija, Ogblogo, Tetegu, Weija, Gbawe, opinion leaders, and all stakeholders, including institutions and organizations with properties downstream, have been informed of the dam's recent development and current situation.

Tetegu, Oblogo, Pambros Salt, Lower McCarthy Hill, Lower Weija, Bojo Beach, Adakope, and the surrounding communities are likely to be affected.

In an effort to prevent a recurrence of the past disaster, GWCL's management anticipates that the public will support this drill.