By Albert Futukpor
Dalun (N/R), Jan 27, GNA – Dalun Lana, Naa Tapha Mahamadu III, Paramount Chief of Dalun has engaged key stakeholders to address the growing menace of sand winning along the White Volta River at Nawuni in the Kumbungu District of the Northern Region.
The meeting was to find sustainable solutions to the practice, restore the river’s flow and support the Ghana Water Limited (GWL) to produce and supply safe and reliable water to residents of the greater Tamale area and its surrounding communities.
The meeting, attended by officials of GWL, Tipper Truck Drivers Union, sand winners and community leaders, followed repeated alarms by GWL about the dangers of sand winning on water treatment for the greater Tamale area and its environs.
Naa Mahamadu III, speaking during the meeting at Dalun in the district, highlighted the negative impact of sand winning on the river such as siltation and flooding.
The GWL draws water from the White Volta River at Nawuni for treatment to serve the people.
However, sand winning on the river at Nawuni leads to siltation/pollution of the river as well as blockages to waterways affecting the river’s natural flow and water abstraction for treatment.
Most construction works in the greater Tamale area rely on sand from Nawuni.
Naa Mahamadu III warned that continued blockage of the river would undermine development at Dalun and Tamale, adding any disruption to water reaching the treatment plant would affect public health, productivity and overall development.
He said “If the water cannot reach the treatment plant, Tamale will suffer. Health, productivity and development will all stall.”
He emphasised the need for responsible sand winning practices and urged stakeholders to strike a balance between livelihoods and environmental sustainability.
He announced the immediate deployment of excavators to dredge clogged sections of the river, adding a joint task force will be established to monitor sand winning sites and enforce existing regulations.
Mr Alhassan Yakubu, Chairman, Katariga Tipper Truck Drivers Union pledged the union’s commitment to work with the traditional authority and GWL to address the situation to ensure sustainable water supply.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/Kenneth Odeng Adade