In an effort to protect and preserve our valuable water resources, the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation have issued a BAN on all human activities within the water catchments in the Western Area such as Guma Dam, Kongo Dam, Mt. Sugar Loaf, Thunder Hill Weir, Babadorie Reservoir, White Water Weir, Cemetery Blue Weir, and the Charlotte Weir.
Water catchments are critical areas that serve as the primary sources of our freshwater supply. They play a vital role in ensuring clean and sustainable water for our communities, agriculture, and industries. However, these areas have come under increasing threat from various human activities, including deforestation, illegal farming, quarrying, and construction of housing.
The primary objective of the ban is to safeguard the water catchments in the Western Area by preventing further degradation caused by human activities.
This is essential to ensure the long-term availability of clean and safe drinking water for our citizens and to protect the natural ecosystems that rely on these water sources.
To ensure compliance with this ban, the Ministries of the Environment and Climate Change, and Water Resources and Sanitation will collaborate with law enforcement agencies to conduct regular inspections and patrols within the water catchment areas. Offenders will face legal action and penalties as prescribed by law.
The Ministries of the Environment and Climate Change, and Water Resources and Sanitation are encouraging all residents, community leaders, and stakeholders to actively participate in the preservation of the water catchments and to report any illegal activities in these areas.
The protection of our water catchments is crucial for the sustainability and well-being of our society and both Ministries therefore call upon all citizens to cooperate with this ban to secure a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable water supply for now and future generations to come.
CREDIT: Guma Communications Unit
14th September 2023
