The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei has assured of the expansion of the existing capacity of the Weija treatment plant. He made this known during a working visit to the Plant to assess current operations, challenges, and to ascertain the critical expansion works required within the medium term.
The Weija Dam, which was constructed between 1974 and 1978 provides about 80 per cent of Accra’s potable water. It serves as a crucial reservoir for the Ghana Water Company, supplying water to parts of Greater Accra and the Central Region. ,
The Hon. Minister indicated that the treatment plant was built with a 12 filtration capacity but only eight have been operational, thereby limiting the production supply to the people in the supply catchment area, given the current population growth.
He stated that the Ministry, through the Ghana Water Limited, has procured a contractor who is now on-site working to restore the plant to its fullest capacity. Adding that this expansion will improve accessibility to safe water for the people.
The Minister also lamented about the illegal encroachment and pollution at the Weija Dam that has affected the turbidity of the water which supplies the treatment plant. He observed that there have been many buildings and farming activities ongoing at the buffer zones, which are complicating the water treatment process.
He emphasised the need to curb these activities, as they lead to increased costs for water treatment and subsequently result in higher water tariffs for the public. He therefore assured of collaborating with the Ministry of Local Government and the National Security Minister, and the coordinator to implement punitive measures against encroachers.
Hon. Adjei also noted the ongoing efforts being undertaken by the Ministry to resolve water supply challenges in Teshie, Nungua, Prampram and their environs. He mentioned that H. E. the President has directed him, the Finance Minister and the Attorney General to ensure that the situation is resolved.
“Consultations are ongoing, the owners of the plant, too, were in town, we met them, and we are still negotiating. Very soon, we will conclude it, and the plant will start working to restore regular service to affected residents, “he stated.
Accompanying the Minister were the Deputy Minister, Hon. Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, Chief Director, Madam Irene Messiba and the Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, Mr. Adam Mutawakilu.
