Kwanyako shutdown triggers water shortage in Central Region
The Central Regional Minister, Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, has revealed that about ten districts in the region are facing acute water shortages following the shutdown of the Kwanyako Headworks by Ghana Water Limited.
The shutdown became necessary after intake pumps at the treatment plant broke down due to heavy silt accumulation, a situation linked to illegal mining activities upstream in the Eastern Region.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting with the Local Government and Rural Development Committee of Parliament, the Minister said the crisis is widespread.
“It is affecting over ten communities and districts. Gomoa East, Gomoa Central, Gomoa West, Agona East, Agona West, Ekumfi, parts of Accra including Kasoa and Awutu Breku. So we’re talking about more than eight districts.
“It’s a major issue. I visited myself and realised that if water were to be forced through, the content would be unsafe for consumption. That is why I asked that they stop,” he explained.
Mr Eduamoah said Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives have been directed to reactivate abandoned boreholes to serve residents.
“In Gomoa Central alone, there were about 16 boreholes. Eight are still functional, but had been left idle because of pipe-borne water. We’ve asked them to reactivate the boreholes and repair those that are faulty,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the Minister also announced progress on the dualisation of the Kasoa–Winneba highway.
He said improvements in construction works will help ease traffic congestion on the busy stretch.
