The Minister for Works, Housing, and Water Resources, Mr. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has praised Ghana Water Limited (GWL) for its ongoing efforts in expanding urban water supply and improving service delivery across the country.
During a working visit to the GWL Head Office in Accra, Mr. Adjei reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring universal access to potable water, emphasizing its commitment to providing the necessary resources and policy interventions to strengthen water infrastructure and service delivery.
Government’s Commitment to Water Sector Development
Addressing GWL management, the Minister stated that access to clean and affordable water remains a fundamental right for all Ghanaians. He assured stakeholders that the government is committed to enhancing infrastructure, tackling operational challenges, and boosting efficiency in the water sector.
“Access to clean water is a fundamental right, and we will work closely with stakeholders to improve infrastructure, address operational challenges, and enhance service delivery,” Mr. Adjei said.
He also highlighted that water sector development remains a top priority, with investments being made in expanding water supply networks across the country. The Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by GWL, such as Non-Revenue Water (NRW) losses, aging infrastructure, and sustainable water management, and pledged government support to overcome them.
GWL’s Governance, Vision, and Operations
GWL’s Managing Director, Mr. Adam Mutawakilu, provided an overview of the company’s governance framework, outlining its commitment to efficiency and accountability. He explained that GWL operates under a Board of Directors and has multiple divisions, including Water Treatment and Quality Management, Finance and Accounting, Business Development, and Regional Operations across 15 regions.
GWL currently manages 92 water systems, serving approximately 17 million people, with a vision to enhance service delivery, efficiency, and financial sustainability.
Key Projects and Infrastructure Investments
As part of its efforts to improve urban water supply, Mr. Mutawakilu highlighted key infrastructure projects, including the expansion of transmission lines from Kpong to Tema to ensure a more reliable water supply. Other significant projects include:
- Replacement of aging pumps.
- Installation of Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVRs).
- Dredging of water intake points at Sekyere Hemang, Owabi, Winneba, and Nsawam.
Addressing Non-Revenue Water and Operational Constraints
Mr. Mutawakilu identified Non-Revenue Water (NRW) as a major challenge for GWL, leading to revenue losses due to leaks, theft, and metering inaccuracies. He noted that NRW significantly impacts GWL’s ability to invest in system improvements.
To tackle this issue, GWL is implementing several initiatives, including:
- Upgrading metering systems to enhance accuracy and reduce billing errors.
- Using technology such as drones and GIS mapping to detect leaks.
- Encouraging responsible water usage and timely bill payments.
- Scaling up e-business solutions, including digital payments and remote monitoring.
Additionally, Mr. Mutawakilu emphasized that investments are being made to reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency through a Performance Improvement Programme (PIP).
Government’s Support for Water Accessibility
In response, Mr. Adjei reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting GWL’s initiatives and prioritizing water accessibility as part of a broader infrastructure development agenda. He assured that the Ministry would work closely with GWL to ensure urban water supply meets growing demand while remaining affordable for all citizens.
The Minister concluded by stressing the importance of public-private partnerships and strategic investments in sustaining Ghana’s water sector, ensuring long-term benefits for communities nationwide.
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