Erratic Power Supply cause of water shortage

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has linked the ongoing water shortage in Greater Kumasi to unstable electricity supply from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). According to the company, frequent power outages and voltage fluctuations in the Ashanti Region are seriously disrupting water production and distribution.

GWCL explained that three key facilities — the Barekese Water Treatment Plant, the Owabi Water Treatment Plant, and the Achiase Booster Station — have suffered repeated power interruptions in recent weeks. These disruptions have reduced the company’s capacity to treat and pump enough water to meet the increasing demand in the metropolis.

Speaking on Akoma FM, the Ashanti Production Region Chief Manager, Hanson Mensah Akutteh, stressed the urgent need for a dedicated power supply line to stabilize operations. He noted that the treatment plants previously operated on dedicated lines, which ensured more reliable and consistent water production.

He explained that the persistent outages and unstable voltage levels are preventing the company from addressing the supply shortfall. Restoring dedicated power lines to the treatment plants, he said, would significantly improve water production and distribution. According to him, without stable electricity, it becomes extremely difficult to treat and transmit safe drinking water to residents.

GWCL says it has officially informed ECG about the recurring power challenges and is appealing for improved electricity supply to all its installations in the Ashanti Region. The company has also apologized to households and businesses for the inconvenience caused by the prolonged water disruptions.

The shortage has affected several communities across Greater Kumasi, including Maxima, Atonsu-Agogo, Bantama, Abrepo, Krofrom, Dichemso, and Asokwa. In many of these areas, residents have gone more than two weeks without regular water supply, forcing them to depend on boreholes, underground sources, and private water vendors,  often at a much higher cost.

source: Omanghana,com