Story by : Doreen Ampofo
Acting Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Adam Mutawakilu, has embarked on a system-wide assessment tour of key water treatment plants in Accra to evaluate operational lapses and identify immediate solutions to boost production.
The visit follows management’s recognition of critical challenges affecting water supply and the need for urgent interventions to bridge the demand-supply gap and ensure efficient service delivery.
The tour, which included visits to the Weija Water Treatment Plant, the Kpong Water Treatment Plant, and the Accra Desalination Plant, was aimed at gaining firsthand insight into the challenges hindering optimal water production.
Mr. Mutawakilu engaged with plant engineers and operators to assess the conditions of machines and equipment, technical constraints, and areas requiring urgent intervention.
With Accra’s daily water demand estimated at 220 million gallons against a production capacity of only 130 million gallons, the city faces a significant shortfall of 90 million gallons.
Acknowledging this gap, the MD assured stakeholders that GWL was committed to enhancing operational efficiency, producing at optimum capacity, and deploying modern technology to improve supply.
Mr. Mutawakilu stressed the need for swift action to address equipment maintenance, upgrades to ageing infrastructure and operational setbacks that hinder optimal production. He stressed the need for immediate interventions, including system upgrades to enhance water availability for residents in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area.
Accompanied by his team of Chief Managers and the Acting Deputy Managing Director in charge of operations, the MD assured that GWL was dedicated to implementing both short-term and long-term solutions to ensure residents had access to reliable and sustainable water supply.
In addition to the treatment plants, the GWL MD also visited strategic installations, including the Mile 18 Central Workshop, where essential repairs and the fabrication of huge pipes, pumps, and drainage systems are carried out, and the Central store where essential chemicals and other materials are kept.
The facility plays a crucial role in maintaining water infrastructure, and efforts are underway to provide the necessary resources to ensure the swift repair of old pumps and parts vital for improving Accra’s water supply.
Commitment to Enhancing Water Supply
Following the inspection, Mr. Mutawakilu reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahamah’s vision for the Water Sector and GWL’s commitment to addressing production shortfalls by improving operational efficiency at the treatment plants and the central workshop.
The company, he stated, intends to implement targeted interventions to bridge the water supply gap and ensure that residents of Accra have access to a more consistent and reliable water supply.
As part of its long-term strategy, the MD said the company was considering the adoption of advanced water treatment technologies to reduce water losses.
Additionally, he noted that plans were underway to rehabilitate ageing infrastructure and expand existing treatment plants to boost production capacity in line with the growing population and industrial expansion.
Mr. Mutawakilu reiterated that while short-term measures will help alleviate immediate supply challenges, long-term investments in infrastructure and policy reforms are essential to ensuring water security for Accra and its surrounding areas.
