Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has invested nearly GHS 6 million to replace damaged sections of its transmission lines connecting Kpong and Tema. This significant expenditure directly addresses critical infrastructure failures impacting water supply to communities across the Greater Accra Region.
The investment became necessary after GWL identified substantial water losses along the Kpong-Tema network. Communications Manager Stanley Martey revealed that between 40% and 50% of water pumped from Kpong was lost before reaching the Tema booster station. This massive inefficiency severely reduced the volume of potable water available for distribution to consumers.
This infrastructure challenge highlights Ghana's ongoing struggle with aging public utility systems and the need for consistent investment. Water losses, often termed 'non-revenue water,' remain a significant problem for utilities globally, including in Ghana. Such losses strain financial resources and limit access to essential services for a growing urban population. The country's rapid urbanization, particularly in Greater Accra, places immense pressure on existing water infrastructure, necessitating proactive maintenance and upgrades.
Stanley Martey, GWL's Communications Manager, confirmed the company's findings during an interview on the Joy FM Super Morning Show. He stated, "When we pump the water from Kpong, we don't get the exact volumes at Tema, at our Tema booster station. For instance, you pump, and by the time it gets to the booster station, we've lost 40 to 50 per cent." This direct admission underscores the severity of the problem GWL faced.
The immediate implication of these repairs is an expected increase in water volumes reaching the Tema system. However, GWL still faces challenges with low pressure in certain network areas. The company is intensifying monitoring efforts, using daily ground teams and hourly pressure recordings, to identify and resolve these remaining faults. GWL is also employing Doppler measurements to track water movement and volume more precisely, aiming to pinpoint exact loss locations.
Looking ahead, GWL acknowledges the persistent gap between water demand and available supply. This imbalance means that even with improved transmission, equitable distribution remains crucial. The company aims to ensure communities receive water at least once or twice a week, depending on location and supply availability. This ongoing effort to manage demand and supply will require continued operational adjustments and public cooperation. The GHS 6 million investment represents a vital step in securing more reliable water access for hundreds of thousands of residents in the Greater Accra Region.