Protect our water bodies

THE dumping of refuse and other solid wastes around water bodies and in the catchment of dams is one common practice among Ghanaians that never cease to stop. It is sometimes regrettable to go to many of our beaches to find some uncivilized citizens of this country easing them selves.

THESE negative human activities have, in most cases, contributed to the pollution of a lot of water bodies in the country. No wonder most of them are considered unhealthy and not potable for human consumption.

A news item carried in the Saturday, October 17, 2009 edition of the Daily Graphic indicated that the Minister of Water Resources Works and Housing, Mr Albert Abongo, was enraged that the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and Zoomlion Ghana Limited were dumping refuse in the catchment of the Barekese Dam.

IT is worrying that KMA, which should know the repercussions of such practices, is rather encouraging the dumping of refuse around catchment areas of dams in Kumasi. Have they forgotten that it is these same dams and other water bodies which are treated with chemicals to serve communities in the metropolis? It is clear that from their own actions they cannot be in a position to stop others from throwing refuse around water dams.

TODAY is gratified that the Sector Minister who visited the ongoing rehabilitation works at the Barekese and Owabi Dams has directed that refuse dumping at the dam site should be discontinued with immediate effect. This is a timely measure to help save the two dams that also supply pipe-borne water to Kumasi and its environs.

IT must be stated categorical that such practices do not augur well for the production of potable water for human consumption. We must also bear in mind that some of the solid waste materials that are dumped contain poisonous chemicals which would therefore be very difficult to treat when they pollute the dam.

THE directive from Hon Abongo should not only be limited to the Barekese Dam, but all dams and water bodies in the country. It is imperative that we take prudent steps to protect our water bodies from human pollution. And one of such measures is what the Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing has announced.