The Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has shut down its Kwanyako Headworks, causing an acute water shortage in the Central Region.
The intake pumps at both treatment plants at the Headworks have broken down due to heavy silt accumulation.
Officials link the challenge to heavy silting of the Ayensu River as a result of illegal mining activities upstream of the river in the Eastern Region.
The old plant, commissioned in 1964, has a production capacity of 14,000, while the new plant, commissioned in 2007, has a 21,000 cubic meter capacity.
According to officials, the Headworks prior to this challenge produced and supplied over 25,000 cubic meters of water per day. However, production has been halted currently.
Divers who were hired to assess the situation of the pumps underwater have recommended that the pumps be desilted. Their assessment also recommends dredging of the river.
Meanwhile, officials at the Kwanyako Headworks say the dredging would still yield no useful impact should the illegal mining activities continue.
Currently, residents in affected communities are relying on unsafe water sources for both domestic and commercial purposes.
Source: citinewsroom.com