GWCL begins fencing off Weija Dam catchments

Accra, July 21, GNA - Work has begun on the construction of a seven million-dollar project to fence off the catchments of River Densu, the main source of water supply to the Weija dam, and to ward off developers from encroaching on the land.

The project involves the building of concrete walls to the height of about 1.8 metres and fitted with wire net coverings to prevent people from having access to the banks of the river. At a short ceremony to formally mark the commencement of work, Mr Cobbie Kessie, Managing Director of Ghana Water Company Limited, appealed to communities along the banks and the catchments of the Weija dam not to impede the contractor's work and that they should ensure that peace prevailed for work to be completed on time. He said it was important to protect the huge investment that had gone into building the Weija dam and to also ensure that water was available all year round to meet the needs of the population. Mr Kessie urged the people to eschew parochial interest and instead, pursue national interest.

He appealed to the contractor to give priority to the local people, especially the youth, when hiring labour for the project. The 51-kilometre fence will run through Manhean, Ayika Dobro, Domeabra, Amanfro, Gbawe and Weija.

Nii Ankan Dobro II, Chief of Ankan Dobro, the community hosting the project's terminal, pledged his people's collaboration with the contractor to fast-track the work.