THE MANAGING Director of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Mr. Adam Mutawakilu, has assured residents of Ho and its surrounding areas that urgent measures are underway to resolve the ongoing water crisis.
Barely a week into his tenure, Mr. Mutawakilu led a team of engineers to inspect the Kpeve Water Intake Point and Treatment Plant, the main facility supplying water to Ho and its environs. He revealed that while a submersible pump had been deployed as a temporary fix, it was insufficient to meet demand.
However, relief is on the horizon as two new high-capacity pumps have been procured and are expected to arrive in March. “This will serve as a medium-term but sustainable solution,” the MD stated.
Interim Measures to Ease the Crisis
To mitigate the impact of the crisis, GWL is collaborating with the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and other service providers to supply water to affected communities using tankers.
Mr. Mutawakilu emphasized that President John Mahama is deeply concerned about the situation and remains committed to addressing the issue through the “Water for All Agenda.” He reiterated the government’s determination to launch the Ho Water Expansion Project, a key initiative to increase supply and meet growing demand.
Aging Infrastructure and the Need for Expansion
The crisis stems from aging infrastructure at the Kpeve intake point, where three pumps – installed over 30 years ago – have undergone multiple repairs but can no longer function efficiently. While additional pumps have been deployed temporarily, they have failed to meet demand.
With Ho and its environs requiring 23,580 cubic meters of water daily, the Kpeve Water Treatment Plant currently produces only 11,272 cubic meters, leaving a staggering deficit of 12,308 cubic meters.
The supply shortfall is affecting thousands of households, businesses and institutions across the Volta Region, where overall water coverage stands at just 50% for an urban population of 743,997.
Regional Minister, Traditional Leaders Weigh In
Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis. “The Ho Water Expansion Project is a critical intervention for both present and future generations,” he stated.
As part of immediate relief measures, the RCC will prioritize tanker water supply to essential institutions, including schools and hospitals. Additionally, plans are underway to host a Regional Water Dialogue to explore long-term solutions.
Mr. Gunu also highlighted ongoing efforts to complete the Adidome Water Project, which will benefit Agotime-Ziope, Adaklu and parts of Ho – bringing much-needed relief to residents.
Local leaders, including Togbe Howusu Adzilakle XII of the Asogli State and Ametsitsia Adza Komla from the Kpeve Traditional Council, expressed concerns about the crisis’s impact on their communities. However, they commended GWL for its swift intervention and hoped the measures would lead to a permanent solution.
“Water is life and that is why SDG 6 focuses on ensuring clean water and sanitation for all,” Mr. Gunu stressed, urging residents to remain patient as the government and GWL work toward a sustainable and lasting solution.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
