Okyereko Dam degraded by sand winners - Authority calls for immediate halt
The Ghana Irrigation Authority (GIDA) has warned individuals and companies engaged in sand winning activities within the catchment area of the Okyereko Dam in the Central Region to halt their operations with immediate effect.
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The warning came against the background of media reports that the GIDA had given licences to Environmental Solution, an environmental management firm, to win sand in the area, an allegation the authority has debunked vehemently.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, after a tour of the site, the Chief Executive Officer of GIDA, Dr Ben Nyamadi, explained that Environmental Solution had been engaged to study the level of siltation in the reservoir and organise its desilting on the basis of a public-private partnership.
During the visit, it was observed that sand winners had dug deep pits at the dam’s catchment area and in the beds of the waterways that fed the reservoir.
It was also observed that many ponds had been developed at the upper end of the dam as a result of sand winning activities.
Some trucks were seen conveying sand from various locations of the dam.
Dr Nyamadi said the desilting of the dam would also ensure that water flowed into the reservoir during the forthcoming rainy season to enable farmers to get enough water to grow their rice.
He further explained that the decision to engage the contractor was taken at a stakeholders meeting involving officials of GIDA, the district assembly, the water users association, some youth and the chiefs in the area.
A truck loaded with sand moving along the rice farm at Okyereko Picture: GABRIEL AHIABOR
Background
The Okyereko Reservoir was constructed in 1974 to supply water to the Okyereko farming community. It was designed to irrigate more than 100 hectares of land, and its major source of water is from streams and direct rainfall.
More than 100 rice and vegetable farmers depend on the reservoir for their livelihood.
Arrest
Dr Nyamadi explained that the reservoir’s catchment area had been severely degraded by sand winners to the extent that the flow of water into the reservoir had been restricted due to blockage by sediment left behind.
He said GIDA was collaborating with the police and other security agencies to arrest those who would disregard the warning.
Abusuapanyin Nana Kojo Anobil, the acting head of Okyereko traditional area, said the activities of the sand winners had become a source of worry for GIDA and the community leaders.
He expressed his support for the steps being taken by GIDA to halt sand winning activities in the area.