Owabi Dam to be rehabilitated

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has commissioned a diving services company to undertake inspection of the Owabi Dam in Ashanti for an engineering consultant to study the report and recommend any interventions for rehabilitation of the Dam.

While the routine inspections and maintenance on the dam are going, all efforts are being made to avert its collapse.

Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, Minister of Works and Housing said this in Parliament on Tuesday when Mr Kwame Osei-Prempeh, NPP- Nsuta Kwamang on behalf of Mr James Adusei-Sarkodie, NPP-Atwima-Nwabiagya asked two questions concerning the Dam.

The member asked whether the Minister was aware of the imminent collapse of the Dam and what steps are being taken to save it.

The member also wanted to know what plans the ministry has to rehabilitate the living quarters at the Owabi Head Works.

Alhaji Idris said the Owabi Dam has been the main reservoir for the supply of potable water to the residents of Kumasi and its environs before early 1950's and has been properly maintained up to date while periodic inspections are carried out yearly on it.

He said in accordance with accepted engineering practices, the Dam has in fact outlived its usefulness and is beginning to show signs of leakages while daily routine inspections are made to record its water level.

Alhaji Idris said the renovation of the GWCL staff quarters at the Owabi Headwork has been planned for under its annual operations and maintenance budget

He said due to the high expenditure involved, the rehabilitation of some parts of the quarters and filter house are to be undertaken in phases and that work started two years ago.