The Bonsa Headworks, a major water treatment facility in Ghana, has been forced to shut down operations due to the devastating effects of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. The closure was announced through an official communique that highlighted the gravity of the situation.
The facility, which produces 75% of the portable water supply for Tarkwa Township and surrounding areas, stated that the activities of galamsey operators have rendered it impossible to abstract water from the river for treatment. The rampant illegal mining has heavily polluted the water source, disrupting the plant’s ability to function effectively.
“We regret to inform the public that the Bonsa Headworks, responsible for supplying potable water to Tarkwa and its environs, has been shut down due to the massive impact of galamsey,” the statement read.
The community further explained that the contamination caused by galamsey has pushed water quality beyond acceptable limits, making it unfit for treatment and distribution. Despite ongoing efforts to mitigate the situation, the management team has found no other option but to halt operations temporarily.
“The river is still being monitored for acceptable parameters to enable us to restart production. Until such time, the plant will remain closed,” the announcement concluded.
The shutdown has sparked widespread concern among residents who depend on the facility for their daily water needs. Many have taken to social media to express frustration over the unchecked galamsey activities that continue to jeopardize essential resources.
Environmentalists and stakeholders have also weighed in, urging the government to take immediate action to address the galamsey menace. They argue that beyond threatening water supply, illegal mining has long-term implications for public health, agriculture, and biodiversity.
The closure of the Bonsa Headworks highlights the urgent need for sustainable measures to protect Ghana’s water bodies. Calls have intensified for stricter enforcement of anti-galamsey laws and community involvement in safeguarding natural resources.
In the meantime, affected residents are being advised to seek alternative water sources while the situation is being monitored. The Bonsa Headworks team has assured the public of their commitment to resuming operations as soon as conditions permit. However, the timeline remains uncertain, leaving many to grapple with the harsh realities of water scarcity.
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