Conserve water resources to serve future needs

The Ghana Water Company Limited GWCL is the state institution mandated to treat water and supply to consumers across the country. As an institution, the GWCL may have its own challenges in discharging its mandate.

One of such challenge is the fast rate at which the country abundant water resources, including rivers, bodies are being destroyed through irresponsible behaviours like galamsay operations.

 All Ghanaians have a role to play to prevent further destruction of water bodies. We contribute to the gradual extinction of water resources through dumping refuse, and other solid waste into water bodies. People also contaminate water through the use of chemicals for fishing. 

All these activities are a major cause of water pollution in the country. The Odaw River and the Korle Lagoon are two regrettable examples found in Accra the national capital.

 These water bodies have been extremely polluted to the extent that they have become the an eye soar to residents of the city and visitors. These is abide from the health implication of the polluted of water bodies.

As these rivers are polluted, they dry up, depriving people of clean drinking water, destruction to fishes and other aquatic lives. Also, food cultivation and for that matter agriculture is severely affected since farmers cannot have constant source of water for irrigation. Experts have predicted a possible third World War in connection with access to clean drinking water in the near future.

But this forecast can be averted if we begin to see water preservation as a battle for all humanity. In the cities and towns where potable water is delivered through pipes, we have the responsibility to ensure that water is not abused, polluted or wasted. It is important that institutions involved in water management will be well resourced to discharge their duties effectively. 

Water management and conservation is increasingly becoming important especially with increasing world population.

This calls for high demand for potable water and increased cost of treating and supply of water. It is worthy of note that Ghana’s water sector continues to make great strides. Presently, supply of potable water is said to outstrip demand in the Greater Accra region even though some areas still lack potable water in the metropolis. 

Thankfully, the World Bank is partnering the GWCL, to solve this problem though new that pipes can withstand the high pressure water being pumped through them.

 These efforts by the company towards water sufficiency need the support of citizens. We must all help to protect and preserve water by using water judiciously. People who are involved in illegal taping of water must be reported and punished. 

Estate developers must avoid building houses and other structures on underground water pipes. This creates serious impediments in the supply of water.

We must also report promptly to the Ghana Water Company all cases of pipe burst in our neighbourhood which lead to waste of potable water. Let us support the Ghana Water Company remain committed to its core business of production and distribution of potable water to consumers across the country.

BY ABUBAKAR SARPONG, AN INTERN - GTV