Western Regional Minister orders action to halt encroachment on Ghana Water Company lands at Daboase

The Western Regional Minister, Mr. Joseph Nelson, has issued a warning. He is concerned about illegal encroachment on Ghana Water Company Limited’s (GWCL) lands. This encroachment is happening at the Daboase water treatment site in the Wassa East District. The Minister says this development threatens the region’s water security.

During a visit to the site, he directed GWCL to act quickly. They must demarcate buffer zones around the facility. This will help stop unauthorized activities that threaten this vital water resource.

“This is a major national investment,” he stated. “Encroachment on this land must stop immediately.” He noted that some chiefs sold land within the buffer zone without knowing it was restricted. To prevent further encroachment, he suggested installing signposts marking it as a no-go area. If ignored, legal action should follow.

He also urged the District Chief Executive to work with local chiefs. They need to ensure no further activity occurs in restricted zones.

This move aims to protect a €70 million water expansion project at Daboase. Austrian firm Strabag is undertaking this project. It aims to supply 22 million gallons of water daily to Sekondi-Takoradi and nearby communities.

Mr. Nelson expressed concern over illegal developments in the area. Landowners claim they are unaware of how these activities started. “The project won’t suffer due to their actions,” he stressed. He emphasized that these actions threaten water supply for many communities.

The Daboase facility was built in the late 1960s and can handle six million gallons daily. It currently struggles with rising demand alongside the Inchaban plant, which handles four million gallons per day. The new project aims to close this supply gap.

Mr. Vlad Falup, Project Manager at Strabag Engineering, provided an update on progress. “All main structures are complete,” he said. They are now working on the high-lift pumping station for transporting water to other stations. The mechanical equipment is ready, and they expect completion by November 7, 2025.

However, GWCL officials have raised concerns about rapid encroachment rates. Gideon Asare Annor warned that environmental damage could jeopardize their investment.

“The buffer zone has been completely encroached upon,” he noted sadly. This could lead to faster drying of rivers during dry seasons and render their treatment plant idle.

He added that erosion makes matters worse in this area as well as climate change and illegal mining activities increasing water turbidity significantly.

As a result, GWCL’s production from Daboase has dropped drastically—from six million gallons per day to just over 16,000 gallons per day.

With demand for clean water rising in Sekondi-Takoradi and surrounding areas, immediate action is crucial for protecting Ghana’s water sources effectively.