The Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Hon. Adam Mutawakilu, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling the ongoing water crisis in Ho, emphasizing President John Mahama’s commitment to ensure every Ghanaian has access to potable water.
“The President is committed to the ‘Water for All Agenda’ and ensuring that Ho gets the necessary interventions, including the Ho Water Expansion Project, to meet the growing demand,” Mr. Mutawakilu stated.
He acknowledged the severity of the water shortage, explaining that the three pumps at the Kpeve intake point installed over 30 years ago had undergone multiple repairs but could no longer function at full capacity.
“As a temporary measure, additional pumps were brought in, but they were unable to produce the required volume of water,” he said, adding that the expansion of the Kpeve Treatment Plant was non-negotiable for a long-term solution.
To mitigate the immediate impact of the crisis, Mr. Mutawakilu disclosed that GWL would collaborate with the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and service providers to distribute water using tankers.
He further assured residents that two new pumps had already been procured and were expected to arrive in March to provide a more stable supply.
Decades-Old Infrastructure Struggling to Meet Demand
The Kpeve Water Treatment Plant, which has an installed capacity of 18,181 cubic meters per day, currently produces only 11,272 cubic meters which is far below the 23,580 cubic meters required to meet the water needs of Ho, Kpeve, parts of the South Dayi District, and other areas.
“We understand the frustration of residents, and I want to assure you that we are not just looking at short-term fixes but a sustainable solution,” he stated.
To ensure equitable distribution, Mr. Mutawakilu announced that a Demand Management Programme had been introduced while broader infrastructure expansion plans were being finalized.
Government, Traditional Leaders Call for Patience
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, assured residents that the government was working diligently to resolve the crisis.
“The expansion of water infrastructure is key to serving not only the present population but also generations yet unborn,” he noted.
As part of emergency interventions, the RCC will begin supplying water to essential service institutions, including schools and hospitals, using tankers.
The government also plans to hold a Regional Water Dialogue to bring together key stakeholders in finding a lasting solution to the region’s water supply challenges.
Traditional leaders, including Togbe Howusu Adzilakle XII of the Asogli State and Ametsitsia Adza Komla of the Kpeve Traditional Council, lamented the crisis’s impact on their communities but commended GWL for its swift response.
“Water is life, and that is why SDG 6 focuses on ensuring clean water and sanitation for all,” Mr. Gunu emphasized, urging residents to remain patient as efforts to resolve the crisis continue.
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