The Weija Gbawe Municipal Directorate of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has urged residents near the Weija Dam to relocate due to an imminent spillage planned by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL). This measure aims to avert potential loss of life and property caused by the expected overflow of the dam. Emmanuel Adu-Boahene, the Municipal Director of NADMO, stressed the urgency of relocating residents, particularly those downstream, to mitigate disaster risks. NADMO has commenced awareness campaigns to educate residents about the necessity of moving to safer areas.
Recent rainfall has led to a gradual increase in the water level of the Weija Dam, as reported by the GWCL. In a letter dated March 7, 2024, the company notified relevant stakeholders of the need to release excess water to prevent dam failure. While the exact spillage date was not specified, it will be determined by the inflow of water into the dam. Initially, the spillage will be conducted at a controlled rate to minimize downstream impacts, with adjustments made based on the dam’s water level. The GWCL emphasized the continuous nature of the spillage as long as the water level remains high to safeguard the dam’s structural integrity.
In addition to the relocation advisory, the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly has initiated dredging activities to widen waterways and mitigate flood risks during heavy rainfall. The assembly has commenced dredging efforts to expand the passage to the sea, particularly given the onset of rains in the Eastern Region, the primary water source for the dam, and recent rainfall in Accra.
The annual spillage of the Weija Dam during the rainy season is a routine occurrence, with the possibility of multiple spillages depending on water levels. The dam’s maximum capacity is approximately 47 feet, with construction initiated in 1974 and completed in 1978 by Messrs Tahi, an Italian company.
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