By: Nana Achiaa Aboagye
Government’s resolve to find lasting solution to the inadequate supply of water has culminated in the renewal of a three – year agreement between Grundfos and Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources.
The two entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, in 2020 to implement solutions for sustainable water supply to the people of Ghana, especially in local communities.
Terms of the MOU signed in April 2020, included the involvement of public-private partnerships for water service improvements, and energy efficiency projects, as well as training, service contracts and further collaboration on water and energy saving projects.
The Ambassador of Denmark to Ghana, Mr. Tom Nørring said he is happy and proud of Grundfos for being the world’s largest pump manufacturer and global trendsetter in water solutions.
The Managing Director of Ghana Water Company, Dr. Clifford Braimah challenged Grundfos to remain committed to serving the people of Ghana with safe drinkable water.
The Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Industry of Grundfos, Mr. Stephane Simonetta intimated that this year marks the 10th Anniversary of their operations in Ghana which today serves as its West African Headquarters.
As a water solutions and pump manufacturing company they have since enjoyed a strong relationship with key institutions and organisations in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. With distributors throughout Ghana, the team has become part of the local community and will continue to grow with its Ghanaian friends and colleagues towards an optimistic future.
Mr. Stephane Simonetta said in Ghana, they have partnered to provide solutions and services that keep water flowing, be it in cocoa production or delivering water to people’s homes in partnership with Ghana Water Company and the Community Water and Sanitation Agency.
He reiterated Grundfos commitment to help solve the world’s climate and water challenges, placing sustainability at its core. Adding that Grundfos has set bold targets to help reach 300 million people with drinking water and reach net zero emissions by 2050.
He mentioned that they do this by offering their partners to move water as efficiently and sustainably as possible, with the benefit of reducing operations and maintenance costs in a world where energy prices are rising and resources are increasingly stressed. Stressing that together they can harvest the opportunities ahead of them.
Mr. Simonetta was optimistic that the MOU will support the continuation of their collaboration towards these shared goals.
He said they share the Government’s climate and water access ambitions. He said his industry understands the challenges and together they can solve them. He said that is why Grundfos embarked on a public-private partnership with the Community Water and Sanitation Agency to provide water services to rural communities.
They look forward to taking the next steps on the energy audit they performed with Ghana Water and the partnership with the Community Water and Sanitation Agency. Adding that the learnings and successes of their current partnership is a testament to what is possible.
He thanked the sector Minister for their partnership and recognising the commitment made by all of them to make this partnership a success.
Deputy Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Mr. Amidu Issahaku Chinnia commended Grundfos for renewing its commitment to the Ghana market with with an increased focus on serving local communities with wholesome water.
Grundfos is currently exploring a Public Private Partnership to take over 10 Community Water Sanitation Agency sites under a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer arrangement in Ghana. This falls in line with Grundfos’ commitment to supporting Ghana to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 6 and 13, which focus on improving water and sanitation supplies and fighting Climate Change.
