Weija Dam: GWL says plans are in place to desilt reservoir when necessary

Ghana Water Limited (GWL) says spillage from the Weija Dam is not governed by a fixed annual schedule but is determined largely by the volume of water flowing into the dam. The Head of Public Relations and Communications at GWL, Stanley Martey, said the dam could spill for several weeks in some years, depending on rainfall and inflows, while releases could also be halted and resumed as water levels change. Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, September 9, Mr Martey said the amount of water entering the dam is the key factor in determining when spillage becomes necessary.

If we have more inputs, we will spill,” he explained. He said authorities monitor the dam’s water level and consider spillage when it approaches the threshold considered necessary for safe operation. According to Mr Martey, during the major rainy season, spillage may begin at about 44 feet, when inflows can rise rapidly and remain high.

During the minor rainy season, authorities may allow the level to rise slightly higher, to about 45 feet, before releasing excess water. He stressed that the duration and frequency of spillage therefore depend on prevailing rainfall and inflow conditions rather than a predetermined timetable. The clarification comes amid renewed concerns over the latest spillage from the Weija Dam and its impact on communities along the Densu River.

Mr Martey also expressed concern that some residents living along the river course remain reluctant to relocate to safer areas despite repeated warnings from authorities. He said the continued occupation and development of areas vulnerable to rising water levels increases the risk of flooding whenever the dam has to release excess water. Ghana Water Limited (GWL) says the Weija Dam currently has sufficient capacity to supply water to the western part of Accra throughout the year, but plans are in place to desilt the reservoir when necessary.

Head of Public Relations and Communications at GWL, Stanley Martey, said regular desilting of rivers and reservoirs is important to maintain adequate water levels for treatment and supply. Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, September 9, in a discussion on the Weija Dam spillage, Mr Martey was asked about concerns over possible siltation of the reservoir and what the company was doing to address the issue. He said the current dam remains adequate for the area it serves.

“With the dam for now, I think it is enough to save the western part of Accra throughout the year without any challenge,” he said. Mr Martey, however, acknowledged that siltation is an issue that has to be addressed over time. “Be that as it may, we still have to desilt when it is silted.