Volta Regional Minister inspects Kpeve Headworks

By Michael Foli Jackidy

Kpeve (V/R), Feb. 4, GNA – The newly appointed Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, has officially commenced his duties with a visit to the Ghana Water Limited (GWL) Kpeve Headworks in the South Dayi District.

The inspection aimed to assess the challenges facing the facility, which had led to a severe water shortage affecting Ho and its surrounding communities.

Mr. Gunu, in his address to the people of Kpeve, highlighted three pressing issues requiring immediate attention; the ongoing water crisis in Ho, the devastating impact of tidal waves on residents of Ketu South over the weekend, and the poor condition of the seat of government, the Residency in Ho.

He described the water shortage as a serious situation that required urgent intervention and announced that, as a short-term measure, water tankers would begin supplying critical institutions such as hospitals and schools the following day to help ease the situation.

“We are working closely with the management of the Ghana Water Limited and by the weekend, we hope to have the pumps repaired and water flowing again. If this happens, we will then take the necessary steps to expand the facility to prevent future shortages,” he stated.

Mr. Gunu stressed the importance of expanding the Kpeve Water Treatment Plant to meet both current and future water demands.

He indicated that all three original pumps, installed in 1993 were now non-functional, and the only operational pump, procured in 2016, cannot adequately serve the growing population.

“Right now, the daily water demand in Ho and its environs is about 30,000 cubic meters, but the only working pump can supply just 11,000 cubic meters per day, leaving a huge deficit,” he explained.

“This is not sustainable, and we must act fast,” he added.

He assured residents that both short-term repairs and long-term expansion plans were being pursued.

The long-term solution, he noted, was captured in the government’s development agenda and would involve a comprehensive expansion of the Kpeve Water Treatment Center.

The Minister further revealed that the planned expansion would extend beyond Ho to serve communities such as Adaklu, Agortime-Ziope, and Akatsi North through the Adidome plant.

Additionally, upgrades to the Kpando Water Plant will ensure reliable supply to Kpando, Alavanyo, Hohoe, Fodome, Wli, and surrounding areas.

The newly appointed Managing Director of the Ghana Water Company Limited, Mr. Adam Mutawakilu, assured the public that two new pumps would be installed by March to stabilise water supply in the regional capital.

“We are also working to secure a third pump so that we have three brand-new pumps running simultaneously to guarantee uninterrupted water supply,” he said.

He reiterated President John Mahama’s commitment to ensuring access to clean water for all Ghanaians and expressed optimism that the expansion project would commence soon.

During the visit, local traditional leaders, including Ametsitsia Adza Komla of Kpeve and Togbe Howusu Adzie Lakle XII, Awafiaga of the Asogli State, urged the government to resolve the water crisis without delay.

Ho and its surrounding areas have been experiencing acute water shortages for over a month due to the frequent breakdown of the Kpeve Water Treatment pump, causing significant hardship for residents.

The Minister’s visit and the proposed interventions offer renewed hope for a lasting solution to the crisis.

GNA