Kpong to get second water plant

Kpong (ER), Sept. 14 GNA - Government is to build a second water plant at Kpong to produce additional 40 million gallons per-day to augment the current water supply of 43 million gallons to Accra and Tema areas.

It is expected that the infusion of water from the second water plant and that of Weija Dam would help provide adequate water supply to new developing areas such as Adenta, Ashalley Botwe, Madina and their immediate environs.

Mr. Hackman Owusu Agyeman, Minister of Works and Housing announced the measures when he paid a working visit to the Kpong Water Works in the Eastern Region, built in 1965.

The two Deputies, Mrs Cecilia Dapaah and Mr Issah Ketekewu accompanied the Minister to tour the plant.

Mr. Owusu-Agyeman said the project was advertised in the international media and six companies applied for the contract, but only one company, Gezhouba Company of China was selected, according to requirements of the bid.

He said though the new plant would cost over 170 million dollars, government was still negotiating with the contractor to bring the cost further down.

He said consultation were also underway with another company to construct new pipelines to provide potable water to Tema and rural Accra.

The Minister urged Ghanaians to exercise patience since government was doing everything possible to provide potable water to majority of the population.

Mr. Ebenezer Gambra, Chief Production Manager of the Greater Accra Area branch said the Kpong plant has three pumps, which were all in good working condition.

He said because water from the Volta River is of good quality less chemical is used in its treatment.

He said, even though the Volta River has not seen much pollution compared to other rivers in the country, he was worried about new settlements springing up along the banks of the river.