Water treatment plant project in Sekondi-Takoradi yet to take off after 21 months

It’s been twenty-one (21) months now since the Senior Minister who doubles as the senior advisor to the President, Yaw Osafo Maafo led a delegation to cut sod for the construction of a 22.2 million gallon water per day capacity new water treatment plant for the people of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis and its adjourning communities, however, after the pomp and pageantry, the project is yet to take off.

The project which is expected to be completed in 40 months’ time from the day of the commencement of the actual construction works, will have a Defect Liability Period of 12 months from substantial completion of works to help address the perennial water shortage in greater Sekondi-Takoradi and its environs.

Parliamentary records show that the two separate loans contracted from the Oeke-Backed agreement amounting to €70,733,432 and commercial loan amounting to €10,500,000 between Ghana represented by the Ministry of Finance and Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft were approved on the 20th October 2020 to finance the Sekondi-Takoradi Water Supply Rehabilitation and Expansion Project.

The credit facility is to secure funding for the implementation of the project, which includes; the construction of an intake, a new water treatment plant with its ancillary structure, transmission and distribution pipelines, service reservoirs, standpipes and hose connection.

Some 48 communities within STMA, EKMA, Ahanta West and Shama will be benefiting from this project when completed.

But while admitting the current water challenge in Sekondi-Takoradi, the Western and Central Region’s Public Relations Officer for the Ghana Water Company Limited, Nana Yaw Barima Barnie told Skyy News’ Patrick Ennimil Arthur that the project kick-started on 30th May 2022 and that they are now firming up the project designs with the contractor.

“He said, “We are working on the design, plan and project concept, we will inspect the design when the contractor brings it and make some corrections and changes when available. By this year August, the contractor will clear the site for the project to commence.”

Takoradi, Effiakuma, Kwesimintsim, Kojokrom, West Tanokrom, Anaji, Sekondi, New Takoradi, Essikado, Apremdo, Kweikuma, Ntankoful, Ngyyiresia, East Tanokrom, Effia Village and Fijai as well as Assakai, Adiembra, Kansaworado, Nkroful, Anoadze, Abuesi, Apowa, Inchaban, Ketan, Dixcove, Estates, Shama, Hwendo, Hotopo and surrounding villages stand to benefit greatly from this project but Nana Yaw Barima Barnie is hopeful all these communities will have their fair share of the Sekondi-Takoradi Water Supply project when finally completed.

It is also important to note that when completed, the project is expected to increase agriculture production, boost the commercial potential of the twin city, as well as have a more welcoming front to visitors arriving from neighbouring countries.

Patrick Ennimil Arthur’s report