Regional News of Wednesday, 1 May 2013

Source: GNA

Cape Coast MCE visits Brimsu dam

Mr Egyir Aikins, Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of Cape Coast, has visited the Brimsu Dam site, the main source of water supply to the Metropolis, following the recent water crisis that hit the area.

The visit enabled Mr Aikins to have an update on work at the site as residents of the metropolis were compelled to carry gallons and other containers over long distances in search of water.

As at the time of the visit on Tuesday afternoon, the level of water in the dam had drastically fallen below eight feet, which is the minimum operation capacity, compared to its 25 feet maximum operation capacity; making it difficult to pump water from the facility.

The dam was now producing below one million gallons of water per day, instead of its daily production capacity of four million gallons.

Mr. Francis Lamptey, Central Regional Distribution Manager of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), explained the situation to Mr Aikins and the media.

Mr Lamptey appealed to Government through the MCE, to expedite action on the connecting of pipes from Sekyere-Hemang water treatment plant to the Brimsu site to provide Brimsu with enough water.

He said the Sekyere-Hemang treatment plant, which, could supply 6.7 million gallons of water were producing 1.2 million gallons of water.

Mr Lamptey said if the project, which was in its second phase, could commence immediately, it would be completed by 2015 and the municipality would never face water shortage.

He said 21 large capacity polytanks would be placed at vantage points, for water tankers to supply water to the residents till there is enough water in the dam.

Mr Lamptey appealed to the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly to assist the GWCL to purchase the tanks.

He urged the GWCL to prevent the water shortage from getting out of hand.

Mr Lamptey gave the assurance that the CCMA would support the GWCL to provide water to the residents.