Founder and Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr Hassan Abdulai Ayariga, has called on the government to urgently address the financial and infrastructure challenges facing Ghana Water Limited (GWL), warning that delays in critical investments could jeopardise the reliability of water supply in parts of the country.
Dr Ayariga says the state-owned water utility requires an estimated US$60 million to construct new water treatment plants and expand existing treatment capacity to meet the growing demand for potable water.
In a statement on Ghana’s water supply challenges, the APC leader expressed concern over what he described as prolonged delays in the release of critical government funding to support the company’s operations and infrastructure development.
He said information available to him from sources within the water sector suggests that the funding has reportedly not been released for nearly two years, a situation he believes could worsen the operational difficulties confronting the utility.
According to him, the reported financial constraints could affect GWL’s ability to maintain existing facilities, undertake infrastructure expansion and provide reliable water services to communities across the country.
Dr Ayariga identified Greater Accra, Ho and parts of the Central Region as areas facing particular water supply concerns, with several communities reportedly experiencing irregular access to potable water.
He warned that the situation could deteriorate if the necessary investments are not made to strengthen the country’s water production and distribution capacity.
Of particular concern, he cited projections that Ghana Water Limited could struggle to guarantee consistent and uninterrupted water supply within the next 18 months if substantial investments in new treatment plants are not secured.
He described the warning as a serious development that requires urgent technical assessment and attention from the relevant government institutions.
The APC leader cautioned that failure to address the reported challenges early could expose households, businesses and public institutions to more severe water supply disruptions.
Dr Ayariga has consequently called on the Ministry of Finance, the ministry responsible for water resources and the management of Ghana Water Limited to urgently investigate the reported funding challenges and establish the utility’s immediate infrastructure requirements.
He wants the relevant institutions to clarify the status of government funding for the water sector and outline measures to ensure that the company receives the resources needed to improve its operations.
He also called for a comprehensive investment programme focused on constructing additional treatment plants, expanding existing facilities and strengthening the infrastructure needed to ensure consistent water distribution.
According to him, a coordinated response involving government, GWL management and other stakeholders is necessary to safeguard the country’s water supply and prevent existing challenges from escalating.
The APC leader stressed that access to safe and reliable drinking water is a fundamental necessity that should not be subjected to political considerations.
He said water security remains central to public health, sanitation, household welfare, industrial activity and national economic development.
“Water supply is not a luxury. It is essential to public health, sanitation, economic development, and the dignity of every Ghanaian,” he stated.
Dr Ayariga further urged political leaders and relevant state institutions to treat investment in water infrastructure as a national development priority, irrespective of which political party is in government.
He maintained that Ghana must adopt a proactive approach to addressing its water infrastructure needs rather than wait for shortages to become more widespread before taking corrective action.
He reiterated the need for urgent technical assessment, adequate funding and a sustainable investment strategy to enable Ghana Water Limited to meet the country’s current and future water demands.
By 1960news.com
