Sanitation and Water Resources Minister, Lydia Seyram Alhassan, has pledged the government’s commitment to upgrading the country’s water supply system.
Minister Alhassan made these remarks during a visit to water treatment plants in Kpong and Weija. Her focus was on understanding operations and challenges faced by these facilities.
Water for All: Addressing Distribution Challenges
Despite the plants producing over 2 million gallons daily, distribution remains a hurdle. Leaks in pipelines prevent treated water from reaching homes.
The Minister highlighted the importance of replacing damaged pipelines across Greater Accra. Weija, supplying parts of Eastern, Volta, and Tema regions, is a particular area of concern. Fixing these pipelines is crucial for efficient water distribution.
Protecting Water Sources: Security and Sustainability
Both plants face challenges beyond infrastructure. Encroachment, sand mining, and pollution from human activities threaten water quality.
The Minister acknowledged national security’s efforts to address these issues, particularly the military’s role in protecting the Weija Dam area. Additionally, plans are underway to erect fences for further security.
Early Dam Spillage and Future Expansion
Minister Alhassan commended early spillage measures taken at the Weija Dam to prevent flooding. While progress has been made, securing more funding is necessary for expansion projects to extend water supply nationwide.
This visit underscores the government’s focus on improving Ghana’s water infrastructure. By addressing distribution inefficiencies, protecting water sources, and expanding capacity, the government aims to ensure all Ghanaians have access to this vital resource.
