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The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) says it will start spilling excess water from the Weija Dam by the end of the week as part of routine measures to safeguard the dam.

Property owners and residents in communities downstream have, therefore, been asked to evacuate the area to forestall any eventualities.

Communities that are likely to be affected are Tetegu, Oblogo, Pambros Salt, Lower McCarthy Hill, Lower Weija, Bojo Beach, Ada Kope, Tsokome and surrounding communities.

The announcement was contained in a press release signed by the Public Relations Manager of the GWCL, Mr Stanley Martey, yesterday.

Excess water

The company explained that the increase in water levels of the dam was as a result of the rains.

It added that the current water level of the dam stood at 46.6ft and that the safe operating level of the dam was 47ft.

“With the onset of the rains, the water level is rising and getting closer to the safe operating level of 47ft. Like every dam, its safe operating levels are maintained to prevent it from possible collapse,” it said.

The statement added that the opening of the spillway gates might cause flooding, and that it was for that reason the company was appealing to residents to evacuate the area.

Sensitisation

According to the company, it had started a house to house sensitisation programme to inform the public about the exercise.

“Opinion leaders, chiefs, assemblymen, unit committee leaders and heads of schools have all been informed on the exercise.

“GWCL is also liaising with the National Security to dredge the estuary to enable easy flow of water into the sea,” it added.