The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has announced a temporary disruption of water supply to residents of Tema and several parts of Accra due to emergency repair works at the Kpong Water Treatment Plant. The disruption, commencing on Thursday, August 28th, was necessitated by damage to the raw water transmission pipeline supplying the treatment facility. The GWCL has initiated urgent repairs, estimated to last for three days, and anticipates restoring full water supply immediately upon their completion. This interruption will impact a significant population in the affected areas, with some experiencing low water pressure while others may face a complete absence of supply.
The affected areas encompass a wide swathe of the Greater Accra Region, including the entire Tema Metropolis, a major industrial and residential hub. Ashaiman, a densely populated municipality bordering Tema, will also be affected. The disruption extends further to encompass several communities along the Tema-Accra stretch, including Gbetsele, Akatamanso, Klagon, Lashibi, and Baatsonaa. Residential areas like Spintex and parts of East Legon, known for their mix of residential and commercial properties, will also experience the interruption. The surrounding neighborhoods of these areas are also expected to face water shortages, widening the impact of the pipeline damage.
The GWCL has proactively advised residents in the affected areas to store enough water to last them through the three-day repair period, urging them to conserve water wherever possible. Recognizing the critical role of essential services, the GWCL has made special provisions for institutions like hospitals and schools, which are crucial for public health and well-being. These institutions have been urged to contact the GWCL directly through dedicated helplines to ensure their water needs are met during the disruption. This targeted approach aims to minimize the impact on vulnerable populations and maintain essential services.
To facilitate communication and ensure easy access to assistance, the GWCL has provided multiple channels for residents and institutions to reach them. These include a toll-free number specifically for Telecel users, as well as several regular phone lines. Recognizing the widespread use of digital communication, the company has also made available WhatsApp numbers and encouraged the public to connect with them via their official social media platforms. This multi-channel approach ensures broad reach and provides convenient avenues for inquiries, feedback, and requests for assistance.
The Kpong Water Treatment Plant plays a vital role in supplying water to a large portion of the Greater Accra region. The raw water transmission pipeline, currently under repair, is a critical component of this system, transporting raw water from the Volta River to the treatment plant. Damage to this pipeline directly impacts the plant’s ability to produce treated water, leading to the widespread disruption being experienced. The ongoing repairs underscore the importance of maintaining crucial infrastructure for consistent water supply and highlight the potential consequences of disruptions to such systems.
The GWCL, recognizing the inconvenience this interruption poses to its customers, has issued a public apology. While the repair work is essential to ensure long-term water security, the GWCL understands the challenges posed by even a temporary disruption of water supply. The company has expressed its appreciation for the public’s patience and cooperation during this period. The emphasis on community understanding and collaboration highlights the shared responsibility in managing essential resources like water and the importance of working together to overcome temporary challenges.
