Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) says it will begin spilling excess water from the Weija Dam as part of routine measures to safeguard it.
This is as a result of the fact that the dam level has risen from 37ft to 47.9ft within two days.
“The safe operating level of the dam is 47ft. Like every dam, its safe operating levels are maintained to prevent it from possible collapse, hence, the spillage,” a statement issued by the GWCL on Monday said.
Communities that are likely to be affected include: Tetegu, Oblogo, Pambros Salt, Lower McCarthy Hill, Lower Weija, Bojo Beach, Ada Kope, Tsokome and surrounding communities.
GWCL is therefore asking persons close to the dam to relocate to safety.
“Management of GWCL therefore wishes to inform the general public as well as institutions and organizations who have properties downstream of the dam, that the opening of the spillway gates is inevitable and possibly cause flooding.
“Therefore, the company urges inhabitants living in communities downstream and along the buffer zone of the river course, to evacuate the area to forestall any eventualities and also to protect life and property.”
According to the statement, the GWCL has begun a house to house sensitization and using public information address systems within the communities, to caution settlers and residents on the repercussions of their continuous stay within the buffer zone.
The company is also asking opinion leaders, chiefs, assemblymen, unit committee leaders and heads of schools to help in sensitizing the people in the communities.
GWCL is also liaising with institutions like National Security and NADMO to support the process to avoid disaster, the statement added.
Source: 3news.com | Ghana