Ministry to construct new treatment plant at Akuse

Accra, March 5, GNA - The Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing is to construct a new water treatment plant at Akuse to address the perennial water problems in Accra and parts of the region. The Ministry would therefore compensate for land and crops to arrest the continuing encroachment of areas acquired for water supply systems, which affect project implementation.

Dr Kwabena Duffour, Finance Minister, during the presentation of this year's budget, said another water supply scheme was being jointly undertaken by British Development for International Development (DFID) and Government of Ghana, which is based on drawing raw water from the Oti River at Damanko to supply potable water to 13 guinea worm endemic communities.

The Ministry, acting through the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), would commence the following water projects; Kumawu, Kwahu Ridge, Damongo, Sunyani, Wa, Kpandu, and Konongo. He noted that access to safe and adequate water to meet basic human needs with emphasis on access by the poor and the vulnerable will be the main focus of the Ministry.

"In this respect the Ministry is presently undertaking a pilot study to develop a strategy to sustainably deliver potable water to peri-urban areas in the Brong Ahafo Region and would be replicated across the country."

Dr Duffour said the rehabilitation of minor and low capacity treatment plants in various parts of the country would also commence at Agona, New Edubiase in Asanti Region; Berekum in the Brong Ahafo Region; Breman Asikuma and Dunkwa-on-Offin in the Central Region.

Others are Akim Ofoase, Asamankese, Akim Oda, and Suhum in the Eastern Region and Prestea, Bogoso, Elubo, Axim and Aboso in the Western Region; Bawku and Navrongo in the Upper East Region; to ensure the production and delivery of safe water.

The Ministry will also complete the rehabilitation and expansion Of projects in Tema Metropolitan Area Rural Water supply expansion and Kumasi Water Supply Projects.

He said the Ministry will continue the expansion of the distribution networks and systems in Accra including the relocation of the pipelines along the Tetteh Quarshie-Mallam highway, Bortianor, Kokrobite, Amasaman, Santeo, Katamanso, Winneba, Sekondi, Takoradi, Amanfo-Tunko, Butumajabu, Apowa, Kumasi Rural Offinso, Tafo, Nkawie and Pankrono. Others included Sunyani Rural, Chiraa, Nsoatre, Koforidua Rural, Suhyem, Ho Rural, Tamale, Wa, Bolgatanga, Dunkwa, Saltpond, Asikuma-Ajumako, Aflao, Peki, Bogoso, Abakrampa, Asankragua and Anfoega. Dr Duffour said interventions at some critical areas undergoing sea erosion along the coast at Dixcove, Shama, Axim, and Ngyiresia in the Western Region, was ongoing with HIPC support. 5 March 09