The Ghana Water Company has begun an exercise to plant 2,000 teak seedlings at the Barekese water headworks to mark this year’s World Water Day.
Acting Regional Chief Manager, Ashanti Production, Mr Charles Tulashie, who led the exercise on Thursday, said the aim was to help protect the catchment of the river which served as the source of drinking water for the people of Kumasi and its surrounding communities.
He said it was important to take immediate steps to safeguard the Barekese headworks from encroachment and other illegal activities to enable it continue to supply quality potable water to the people.
Mr Tulashie said the exercise held together with the Water Resources and the Forestry Commissions, was to commemorate the World Water Day, which falls on 22nd day of March, every year.
This year’s celebration is under the theme: “Leaving no one behind”.
Mr Tulashie said Ghana Water Company is committed to providing quality drinking water for all adding that, the water produced by the Company is at par with standards provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Company is using approved and high quality chemicals in treating polluted water in the areas, such as Odaso, Aframso and Konongo, where illegal mining activities are rampant.
Ms Abena Dufie Wiredu, Regional Director of Water Resource Commission, said the Commission has been embarking on community education and sensitization programmes on water laws, importance of protecting water bodies as well as other activities destroying water bodies.
