Weija Dam spillage necessary to prevent structural collapse, says GWL

Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has stated that the controlled release of excess water from the Weija Dam is a necessary measure to prevent a potential dam collapse. Stanley Martey, GWL’s Head of Public Relations and Communications, explained that while the resulting flooding and property damage in surrounding communities are “disheartening,” allowing water levels to exceed safe limits could compromise the dam's structural integrity. He warned that a breach could lead to a major collapse, causing significantly more loss of life and property than the current spillage, and could disrupt water supplies to western Accra for years.

Addressing concerns regarding siltation, Martey noted that the reservoir currently maintains sufficient capacity to supply water to western Accra throughout the year. He clarified that while siltation is an ongoing issue, GWL has plans to desilt the reservoir periodically, typically every 15 to 20 years, to maintain adequate water levels for treatment and supply. He also noted that encroachment on river buffer zones has worsened the impact of rising water levels.