Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has been forced to shut down operations at its Kwanyako Headworks, resulting in a critical water shortage across parts of the Central Region.
The shutdown follows the breakdown of both intake pumps at the facility due to severe silt accumulation, which is directly attributed to illegal mining (galamsey) activities along the Ayensu River in the Eastern Region.
The Kwanyako Headworks, which includes an older plant commissioned in 1964 (14,000 m³/day capacity) and a newer one from 2007 (21,000 m³/day capacity), was supplying over 25,000 cubic meters of treated water daily before the breakdown.
Underwater divers hired to assess the damage have recommended urgent desilting of the pumps and dredging of the Ayensu River.
However, officials warn that these interventions will be futile unless illegal mining upstream is halted.
With production now at a standstill, residents in the affected communities are turning to unsafe water sources for drinking, cooking, and other daily needs, posing a serious public health risk.
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