Credit: Kekeli K. Blamey
The Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Adam Mutawakilu, has assured residents of Ho and its environs that the current water supply challenges will soon be a thing of the past. Mutawakilu, who has been in office for barely a week, led a team of engineers to inspect the Kpeve Water Intake Point and Water Treatment Plant, which supplies water to the Ho Municipality and surrounding communities.
The GWL has assessed the situation and is implementing urgent measures to restore stable water supply. Although a submersible pump was deployed as an interim measure, it was unable to pump enough water for treatment and distribution. However, Mutawakilu assured residents that two new pumps have been procured and are expected to arrive in March, providing a medium-term but sustainable solution.
Immediate Measures
In the meantime, the GWL will collaborate with the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and existing service providers to supply water to affected communities using tankers. This is to ensure that residents are not unduly affected by the water shortage.
Government Commitment
President John Mahama is deeply concerned about the water crisis in Ho and remains committed to addressing the issue. The Government is determined to achieve the “Water For All Agenda” across the country, with the President dedicated to initiating the Ho Water Expansion Project and other water projects in the region to meet growing demand.
Long-term Solution
The expansion of the Kpeve Treatment Plant is non-negotiable, as it is the long-term solution to ensure adequate water supply for the growing population. A Demand Management Programme has also been introduced to ensure equitable and sustainable water distribution within the region.
Current State of Water Supply
The Kpeve Water Treatment Plant, with an installed capacity of 18,181 cubic meters per day, currently produces an average of 11,272 cubic meters daily — significantly below the required 23,580 cubic meters needed to meet the growing water demand of Ho, Kpeve, parts of the South Dayi District, and surrounding areas.
Regional Water Supply Challenges
The Volta Region faces significant water supply challenges, with a supply coverage of approximately 50%. The region’s urban population of 743,997 requires 44,639 cubic meters of water per day, which the GWL manages for its customers.
Stakeholder Engagement
The GWL is engaging with stakeholders, including traditional leaders and community members, to ensure that their concerns are addressed and that they are informed about the measures being taken to resolve the water crisis.
Togbe Howusu Adzilakle XII, Awafiaga of the Asogli State, and Ametsitsia Adza Komla, spokesperson for the Kpeve Traditional Council, commended the GWL for taking steps to address the situation and expressed hope that the new interventions would provide a permanent solution.
Regional Minister’s Assurance
The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, reiterated the Government’s commitment to resolving the water crisis in the “foreseeable future,” stressing that the Ho Water Expansion Project was a critical intervention. He also disclosed that plans were underway to organize a Regional Water Dialogue to bring stakeholders together to find lasting solutions to the water supply challenges in the Volta Region.
