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The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) will begin spilling excess water from the Weija Dam as part of routine measures to safeguard it.

This is because the water level in the Weija Dam has risen from 37ft to 47.9ft within the last two days.

A statement signed and issued by the Chief Manager of Public Relations and Comunication of the GWCL, Mr Stanley Martey on Sunday night said the safe operating level of the dam is 47ft.

"Like every dam, its safe operating levels are maintained to prevent it from possible collapse. Hence, the spillage," the statement said.

"Management of GWCL therefore wishes to inform the general public as well as institutions and organizations who have properties downstream of the dam, that the opening of the spillway gates is inevitable and possibly cause flooding.
 
"Therefore, the company urges inhabitants living in communities downstream and along the buffer zone of the river course, to evacuate the area to forestall any eventualities and also to protect life and property."

It said the company has begun a house to house sensitisation and using public information address systems within the communities, to caution settlers and residents on the repercussions of their continuous stay within the buffer zone.

Opinion leaders, chiefs, assemblymen, unit committee leaders and heads of schools have been informed to help in sensitising the people in the communities, it added.

It said it was the GWCL was also liaising with institutions like National Security and NADMO to support the process to avoid disaster.

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

Property owners and residents in the area are therefore advised to evacuate or take immediate precautionary measures to protect life and property.