The Central Regional Minister, Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, has led the shutdown of the Kwanyaku Water Facility, citing serious concerns about the safety of treated water supplied to communities in the region.
Speaking to JoyNews on Wednesday, the minister said the water, though appearing purified, could not be trusted because of the heavy chemical processes used in treatment.
“What we are having here in Central Region is worrying. If you bring us very pure water, as far as our eyes can see, we do not have to take that water because we cannot determine how many chemicals were used to make it clean for us,” he said. “We did not see clean water in that plant; we saw mud mixed with water. That’s all.”
He stressed that residents are unwilling to consume the water until they are assured of its safety, noting “As a matter of fact, because now I worry, if you don’t need to take it in, it means it’s not good.”
According to him, the issue has already been reported to the appropriate authorities, and discussions are underway to address it. “This is happening in different regions, so I have submitted my report to the appropriate authorities where I understand actions are already in place to take care of it,” he explained.
The minister further noted that boreholes and smaller water sources cannot resolve the crisis, as the Kwanyaku system supplies nearly 10 districts and municipalities. “I don’t think boreholes or other smaller water bodies can solve the situation. The system is the largest in the area, and it goes to about 10 districts and municipalities,” he pointed out.
He emphasized that restoring the main water system remains the only sustainable solution to reduce the hardship faced by communities, stating “Definitely boreholes can help, but what we are doing is in the interest of making sure that we get the system back.”
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Source: Frederick Kofi Thompson-Quartey/ATLFMNEWS
