Inhabitants around Densu Basin-Weija Dam area given ultimatum

Weija (GAR), May 23, GNA - The Water Resources Commission on Friday issued a two-week ultimatum to inhabitants around the Densu Basin-Wejia Dam area to vacate or stop any illegal activities which were detrimental to the survival of the Lake.

The 14-day ultimatum, if not obeyed, would force the Commission to apply legal means such as the cessation and removal of all illegal structures. The Commission would also stop trading activities, fishing and sand wining among other unauthorized activities within the catchment areas.

Mr Benjamin Ampomah, Acting Executive Secretary of the Commission, said this at a forum organized by the Commission to meet opinion leaders and members of the community to find solutions to the current problem. He said the Dam, which supplied water to about 50 per cent of the population in Accra, had been subjected to decades of encroachment and pollution which were hampering its longevity as well as costing the Commission huge sums of money to treat water.

Mr. Ampomah reminded the community of the Water Resources Commission Act, 1996 Act 522, which stipulated that all persons encroaching on and illegally working and/or living in and around the land area as declared by Executive Instrument, State Lands 1977 to stop immediately.

"Please note that under section 15(4) of Act 522, any person who acts in contravention of this notice commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to the penalties under this section," he said. Mr. Ronald Abrahams, Densu Basin Officer, said the River had the potential to add to eco-tourism, avoid flooding and protect lives and properties.

However, activities of inhabitants were hampering these potentials and the quality of water which requires four times more treatment compared to the Kpong water treatment plant. He mentioned the disposal of waste, mining and sand wining, encroachment, harvesting of fuel wood and building as some activities affecting the survival of the Lake. "We need to give due respect to the Densu River/Weija Dam Lake catchment area for our common good," he stressed.