GWL to replace ageing water pumps and pipelines nationwide

Ghana Water Limited (GWL) plans to replace aging water pumps and pipelines nationwide in an effort to improve water supply and reduce losses in the distribution system. Managing Director Adam Mutawakilu spoke before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on October 13, explaining that the Kpong Water Treatment Plant in the Eastern Region and old pipelines in Abetifi and nearby communities will be the focus of the pump replacement program.

Mutawakilu stated that the company has shifted its focus from expanding water networks to rehabilitating existing infrastructure, as addressing weaknesses in the current system was more critical than expanding the network. He noted that expanding the network without first fixing issues within it could increase the number of consumers facing water supply challenges.

The company suspended new pipeline extension projects in August and requested regional and district offices to submit lists of old pipelines needing replacement by October. The submitted lists will be reviewed, and the proposed projects will be distributed among the regions for board approval. Mutawakilu emphasized that replacing faulty infrastructure is now a higher priority than expanding the network, citing feedback from his team that focusing on addressing the complaints of the 30 people who lack water was more beneficial than extending the network to accommodate 150 people.