Govt secures €106 million grant for Tamale, Damongo water projects
The government has secured €106 million grant from the European Union (EU) to construct the Tamale and Damongo water supply projects.
The EU and its development financiers, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Invest International, provided the grant which is aimed at addressing the long-standing water shortages in the area.
As part of efforts to pave the way for the commencement of construction works, stakeholder consultations have begun on the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), right-of-way acquisition and compensation processes for persons who may be affected by the project.
When completed, the project is expected to produce about 135,000 cubic metres of water daily for a sustainable supply of potable water to the Tamale Metropolis, Damongo and several communities along the transmission corridor from Yapei through Kusawgu and Fufulso Junction.
The Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Adam Mutawakilu, made this known when he led officials of GWL to interact with various stakeholders on the commencement of the water project in the Savannah Region on Monday.
The team visited the Overlord of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, the Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Be-Awuribe, Paramount Chief of the Busunu Traditional Area, Busunuwura Monasa Jonokpowu II, among others.
The consultations were intended to sensitise residents and stakeholders to the scope, benefits and potential impacts of the project while ensuring that project-affected persons are adequately compensated before construction begins.
Water crisis
For many years, the Tamale and Damongo townships have been facing acute water shortages, compelling residents to resort to untreated water sources for domestic purposes.
The Tamale Water System, which was originally built in 1972, has only undergone one major expansion in 2008.
Officials from Ghana Water Limited attribute the water shortages to ageing infrastructure and a rapidly growing population that has outpaced the system’s supply capacity.
Currently, out of five pumps at the Dalun Water Treatment Plant, only two are functioning.
Also, Tamale requires 90,000 to 95,000 cubic metres of water per day. However, the Ghana Water Company Limited can produce 35,000 to 38,000 cubic metres.
Assessment
In his remarks, Mr Mutawakilu explained that the Minister of Finance had signed the grant agreement with the European Union, the European Investment Bank and Invest International, while a commitment authorisation for the Damongo component of the project had already been secured since April this year.
"We all know that without compensation for project-affected persons, the smooth execution of the project could be impeded. The President has made it clear that he does not want construction to begin amid disputes over compensation and related concerns," he stated.
He indicated that the project would provide a long-term solution to the perennial water shortages confronting residents of Tamale, Damongo and communities along the project route.
Mr Mutawakilu, however, declined to provide a specific date for the commencement of construction, explaining that the environmental assessment, right-of-way acquisition and compensation processes must first be completed.
The MD further indicated that while preparations continued for the new water project, GWL was simultaneously implementing interventions to improve water supply from the existing Tamale Water Treatment Plant.
According to him, spare parts on some treatment units have already been replaced, leading to improved water production and flow.
He added that contracts had been signed for the installation of new pumps, motors and other equipment to replace ageing infrastructure and further enhance water production capacity.
Mr Mutawakilu also disclosed that old water distribution pipelines within the Tamale Metropolis were being replaced to reduce leakages and minimise non-revenue water losses.
"When the new pumps and motors are installed, water production will increase significantly.
If old pipes are left in place, the increased pressure could lead to frequent pipe bursts, resulting in water losses and supply interruptions.
That is why we are replacing the ageing pipeline network," he explained.
Major relief
For his part, the Savannah Regional Minister described the project as a major intervention that would address the longstanding water crisis in Damongo and surrounding communities.
Yagbonwura Soale I also commended the government for the urgent measures taken to address the long standing water crisis in the area.
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