The perennial water supply challenges in Tamale and its environs have partly been attributed to the heavy accumulation of sand within the Nawuni sub-catchment of the White Volta River Basin.
A study conducted by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) had revealed that more than 15 million cubic metres of sand had been accumulated in the sub-catchment area, impeding the natural flow of the river system.
The massive build-up of sand was largely attributed to unregulated and excessive sand mining activities along the riverbanks and surrounding areas.
The Ghana Water Limited (GWL) draws raw water from the Nawuni section of the river for treatment and distribution to residents of Tamale and surrounding communities.
The White Volta River Basin is the primary source of water for hundreds of people in northern Ghana.
The development is posing a serious threat to the operations of the company, with indications that the facility could be forced to shut down its plant if the situation persists.
The challenge is already affecting water supply in the metropolis, compelling GWL to ration water to parts of Tamale and adjoining communities.
Siltation
Sharing findings of the study at a stakeholder forum in Tamale, the Programme Director for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) at CRS Ghana, Festus Fofie, explained that the situation had led to severe siltation, reducing the depth and carrying capacity of the river while increasing the risk of flooding in nearby communities.
Participants
He added that the accumulation of such a large volume of sand not only disrupted water flow but also threatened aquatic life and potable water supply for settlements that depended on the river.
“This forum marks a turning point in our collective responsibility to safeguard this critical ecosystem.
By building consensus around sustainable sand mining practices, we are laying the foundation for long-term resilience for both the watershed and the communities that depend on it,” Mr Fofie said.
Stakeholder forum
The three-day forum sought to explore strategies to address sand mining and ensure water security in Tamale and its environs.
It brought together representatives from the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, district assemblies, regulatory agencies, academia, civil society organisations and the Sand Miners’ Association.
The study was conducted by CRS in collaboration with the Water Resources Commission (WRC).
Unregulated activities
The Deputy Executive Secretary of the WRC, Dr Joachim Ayiiwe Abungba, said deteriorating water quality was largely caused by unregulated sand mining, which had already increased water treatment costs and posed risks to water supply for communities within the Tamale Metropolis.
“I am particularly encouraged by the commitment demonstrated by district assemblies, the private sector, sand miners and all partners.
With coordinated effort, we can ensure that sand mining remains both environmentally sustainable and economically viable for our communities,” he stated.
He commended the efforts of Guinness Ghana Breweries, the first private sector company to invest in the White Volta Basin Watershed Investment Fund, as well as The Nature Conservancy, CRS and other partners supporting efforts to restore and protect the basin.
Unsustainable practices
The Acting Head of the Tamale Office of the Minerals Commission, Dennis N. O. Sowah, said the stakeholder engagement demonstrated a shared commitment to regulating sand mining activities along the White Volta River.
He emphasised that the Commission was not opposed to sand mining but rather concerned about uncontrolled and unsustainable practices that threatened the river system.
Mr Sowah said the Commission was committed to streamlining licensing processes and supporting sand miners to obtain the required permits to ensure proper regulation of their activities.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
