Kosmos Energy, two others deliver water to thousands in two districts

Kosmos Energy working with the government and Safe Water Network have completed work on a $500,000 Modular Ultra Filtration water treatment plant for five communities in the Ellembelle and Jomoro districts of the Western Region.

The project will provide a minimum of 100,000 litres of potable water per day for distribution to the communities of Beyin, Ngelekazo, Ekebaku, Nzulezo and Atuabo.

Officials of Kosmos Energy Ghana said the second phase of the project would see water delivered to more than 30,000 people, hospitals and educational institutions in other communities.

Mr Ken Keag, the Vice President and Country Manager of Kosmos Energy Ghana, said the company’s desire went beyond providing water.

He said community collaboration and understanding of the need for the project was key to enhancing the success of the initiative.

“It’s a great privilege for Kosmos Energy to work alongside these communities, to support them in developing the skills necessary to own and operate these systems for the long term,” he said.

Mr Keag said the construction, which started in November 2012, was a service to communities along the River Amanzuri basin – Beyin and Atuabo, which face significant water challenges.

He said in addition to the plant, pipeline extensions were laid to allow easy access to smaller villages such as Ngelekazo and Ekebaku.

“A second phase of the initiative which will continue in the latter part of 2013, will also provide clean water to other communities around the River Alehyiale basin,” he said.

Mr Kurt Soderlund, the Chief Executive Officer of Safe Water Network, said the organisation was happy to work with Kosmos Energy Ghana to improve the health and livelihoods of communities by building local capacity and capability to own and manage their water systems.

“Our partnership includes refining this approach so that it can be broadly replicated throughout Ghana for the millions still without safe water access,” he said.

The Paramount Chief of Western Nzema, Awulae Annor Adjaye II and the Deputy Western Regional Minister, Mr Alfred Ekow Gyan, commended Kosmos Energy and its partners for the initiative and support to the community.

They assured the company that the communities would take good care of the facility.