Sanitation Minister condemns Galamsey activities in Oda River

The Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Honorable Cecilia Dapaah has condemned how Galamsey activities have affected the Oda River disrupting the activities of the Ghana Water Company.

According to her, it’s very disappointing to see careless activities of ‘selfish people’ running lives and putting others under threats by not getting access to water in the various homes.

She disclosed that the GWC treatment plant at the Obuasi Municipality which supplies water from the river is able to provide 4 million gallons of waters a day yet the reckless activity has tumble-down the load to create a shortage.

“It’s frightening and disappointing to see this,” she said whiles taking a glance at the river body.

“This project (GWC treatment plant) can help produce 4 million gallons of waters a day which means 600,000 people can be supplied water. We have a bigger portion of people without water and it’s very sad.

“Which means if only 181,000 residents cannot have access to water, it tells you how serious the whole thing is.”

Oda River in ruins

She expressed that following the engagement with a few inhabitants of the area on the challenges, it came to light that opposers of the illegal mining course are threatened with guns which have put people in fear.

“We have engaged a few people and they have condemned the galamsey activities destroying the water bodies.

“People are been threatened with guns to shut mouths from complaining. It’s unacceptable. The government is doing whatever he can do to make galamsey end so let’s all support him.”

She called on the media to advocate the government’s effort to end the menace.

Honourable Cecilia Abena Dapaah toured the site with the Public Relation Officer for Ghana Water Company, Stanley Martey, and Chief Executive officer for Ghana Water Company together with Engineers.

Story by Atom