Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has spent GHS 5 million to fabricate new transmission pipelines. These pipelines will replace old and deteriorating ones that convey water from the Kpong Water Treatment Plant.
This investment is crucial because poor pipeline conditions cause approximately 40% of water produced at the Kpong plant to be lost through leakages. These losses significantly contribute to non-revenue water, which is water produced but not paid for due to leaks, theft, or metering inaccuracies. The affected areas include parts of Tema and Accra West, where communities rely on this plant for their water supply.
This major investment by GWL aligns with Ghana's broader efforts to improve infrastructure and public utility efficiency. High levels of non-revenue water are a persistent challenge for utility companies across developing economies, impacting financial stability and service delivery. The current 40% loss represents a substantial drain on GWL's resources, hindering its ability to expand services and maintain existing infrastructure. For context, the global average for non-revenue water in well-managed systems is typically below 20%.
Mr. Adam Mutawakilu, the Managing Director of GWL, confirmed the GHS 5 million expenditure. He stated that the investment targets replacing over 70-year-old pipelines. During a recent inspection, Mr. Mutawakilu and his team found sections of 21-inch, 24-inch, and 42-inch pipelines badly damaged. These damages led to significant water losses.
The successful completion of this replacement project is expected to significantly reduce non-revenue water losses. GWL anticipates completing the project within three months. A second tranche of funding will soon be released to support the ongoing replacement exercise. Furthermore, GWL is exploring opportunities with the Tema-Akosombo road project to relocate some pipelines, which could further protect the network. Decision-makers and the public will closely watch the project's impact on water supply reliability and GWL’s financial performance.
Beyond physical infrastructure, GWL is also tackling illegal water connections. The company's non-revenue enhancement team has identified 375 customers in Accra involved in illegal connections. GWL has lost about GHS 16 million due to these illegal activities. So far, the company has recovered GHS 3.7 million. Offenders face prosecution, disconnection, or must settle outstanding bills. Mr. Mutawakilu emphasized continuous monitoring of the transmission network, supported by a dedicated pipe maintenance team.