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Management of Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has undertaken a major equipment replacement exercise at the Nawuni Water Intake in a renewed effort to resolve persistent water supply challenges in the Tamale metropolis.
During a media tour of the facility, the Northern Regional Manager of GWL, Mr. Stephen Amihere Mensah, outlined key interventions aimed at improving water production and distribution. He attributed the recurring shortages in Tamale largely to the frequent breakdown of aging equipment at the intake point, compounded by intermittent power outages that have significantly reduced output over time.
Mr. Mensah disclosed that earlier this year, the Managing Director of GWL, Adam Mutawalkilu, visited the facility and introduced a comprehensive plan comprising short, medium and long-term strategies to address the situation. A critical component of the immediate response, he noted, was the procurement of new and genuine equipment from original manufacturers to replace obsolete and faulty components.
He confirmed that the new equipment has been delivered and installation is currently underway, with engineers working in collaboration with suppliers on-site. As a result, some parts of Tamale are experiencing temporary water supply disruptions due to system shutdowns required for safe installation.
Despite the inconvenience, Mr. Mensah expressed optimism that the works, expected to be completed by Thursday, will significantly enhance water production. He said the upgrade will lead to improved water pressure and a more reliable supply across Tamale and its surrounding communities.
He appealed to residents to remain patient during the ongoing works, assuring that the outcome will bring long-term relief. He, however, cautioned that communities located at the far end of the distribution network may still face challenges if water pressure is not sufficiently strong, unlike areas closer to the source.
According to him, the upgraded system is expected to produce about 45,000 cubic meters of water per day, a substantial increase from the previous capacity of 3,500 cubic meters, which was often disrupted by equipment failures and power outages.
Mr. Mensah also raised concerns about the activities of sand winners along the Nawuni River, urging them to desist from practices that interfere with the water source. He explained that sand winning in the river affects intake machinery and contributes to frequent breakdowns, ultimately disrupting water supply to Tamale and nearby communities.
He emphasized that the ongoing upgrade reflects GWL’s commitment to ensuring a stable and reliable water supply, and reiterated the call for public cooperation as efforts continue to restore full operations.
Yaw Boagyan
