The AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mines Jimi water pumping station near Akrofuom has been attacked by some unsuspecting criminals forcing water shortage to the company’s hospital and some Obuasi communities.

At least a total of 18 poles and 9000 meters of copper conductors that powers water supply to these areas from the pumping station had been cut and stolen by the criminals.

Some of the affected areas currently facing complete black-out in water supply included the AngloGold Ashanti Hospital, some offices of the company and communities such as Odumasi, Wawase, Ahasoyewodea, some part of Tutuka, Ayinam and Kofikrom.

When newsmen were conducted round the site, it was found out that metal poles and copper cables had been cut and taken away posing huge financial loss to the already distressed company.

Mr, Patrick Addai, Engineering Manager, Electricals and Instrumentation who briefed newsmen at the pumping Station gave the history behind the Jimi dam, saying it was dammed during the 1960s to supply water to sections of the mine and some adjoining communities.

He expressed regret that the company’s hospital which treated about 500 patients a day currently did not have water for their operations.

The Engineering Manager added that in terms of copper cables stolen, the company was losing about 50,000 dollars and the total loss would be over 100,000 Ghana cedis when the process of changing the lines from copper to aluminum was completed.

Now we want to tap power from Electricity Company from Akrofuom to help supply water to the people,” he said.

Mr. Addai said no cable had been stolen from the area since Jimi was dammed and wondered why it was so extensive at a go.

According to the security section of the company, one taxi driver had been arrested in connection with the copper stealing while investigations were still ongoing.