Accra, July 28, GNA - The Managements of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and Aqua Vitens Rand Limited (AVRL), on Tuesday assured the public that there was no cause for alarm despite the brief shut down of two of the three water treatment plants at Weija Water Works. A statement signed by Mr. Stanley Martey, Communications Manger of AVRL, made available to the Ghana News Agency on Tuesday, said the companies noted that on July 28, two treatment plants were shut down for six hours due to the shortage of alum, one of the chemicals used in the treatment of water.

It said the shortage was due to shipment challenges emanating from Nigeria, where the ship conveying the stock originally docked. "However, measures were put in place to provide emergency supply and, as a result, alum is currently available and the Weija Water Works is running at full throttle," the statement said.

It said 96 metric tonnes of alum had arrived at the Tema Harbour and would be delivered to all locations by midday on July 29, adding that an additional 2,000 metric tonnes of the chemical would arrive on Thursday July 30.

"Another consignment of 3,000 metric tonnes is due in mid-August this year," it said.

The statement said there was enough alum for all GWCL treatment plants across the country up to March 2010, adding that the procurement of alum and other chemicals for the rest of 2010 had already been initiated. It assured the public that GWCL, AVRL and other bodies expected to provide water were in control of the situation. 28 July 09