A looming water crisis is threatening residents in parts of the Volta Region after Ghana Water Limited temporarily shut down operations at the Kpeve Water Treatment Plant due to extreme turbidity levels in its raw water source.
The shutdown has affected water supply to communities in Ho, South Dayi, Afadzato South and nearby areas, raising fears of recurring shortages if urgent action is not taken to protect the plant’s intake area from further environmental degradation.
According to Ghana Water Limited, severe siltation and pollution caused by heavy rains and land disturbances around the intake point have made water treatment technically unsafe and operationally impossible.
“The current turbidity levels have exceeded the acceptable operational threshold required for safe and effective water treatment,” the company said.
Management linked the crisis to ongoing activities by BSK City Developers, which has been involved in a longstanding dispute with the company over construction works near the Kpeve intake area.
GWL accused the developer of grading hills, excavating land and dumping loose topsoil close to the water source despite directives from the Volta Regional Coordinating Council to halt construction within the protected buffer zone.
The company said the removal of vegetation around the intake area has increased erosion, allowing large volumes of sediment to flow directly into the water source during rainfall.
Managing Director Adam Mutawakilu had earlier warned that encroachment around the intake point could severely affect water production, particularly during the rainy season.
The Kpeve Water Treatment Plant supplies potable water to thousands of residents in the Volta Region and has an installed production capacity of 18,181 cubic metres per day.
GWL warned that repeated shutdowns could disrupt water supply to homes, schools and health facilities while placing additional pressure on the company’s operations and finances.
The company has called on traditional leaders, local assemblies, the Environmental Protection Agency and security agencies to enforce regulations and stop all harmful activities around the intake area.
Chief Manager for Public Relations and Communication, Stanley Martey, said technical teams are monitoring the situation and operations will resume only when turbidity levels return to safe operational standards.
Residents have meanwhile been advised to use available water sparingly as uncertainty remains over how long the shutdown will continue.
