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The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has revealed that expanding the water supply system in Ho will require an estimated $52 million, according to figures from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL).
During an appearance on PM Express on JoyNews, Mr. Gunu highlighted the pressing need for a sustainable solution to the city’s growing water crisis.
He stressed that the expansion project must be designed to cater to Ho’s rapidly expanding population, which has seen exponential growth in recent decades.
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“Back in 1992/1993, when the current water facility was established, Ho had a population of just about 5,000 people,” Mr. Gunu explained. “Today, that number has surged to over 250,000, and the demand for water has surpassed 30,000 meters. If we are planning for the future, we must take into account a population exceeding 500,000.”
The city’s water demand is directly tied to its rapid urbanisation, driven by an influx of students, businesses, and residents, partly fuelled by the increasing number of universities and educational institutions. The expansion of Ho’s infrastructure and the general economic development in the region have also contributed to the escalating demand for water.
While acknowledging the hefty cost of the expansion, the minister expressed optimism that donor partners would come on board to support the project. Mr. Gunu emphasised that securing grants from international partners will be vital to ensuring the project’s success and the long-term availability of water in Ho.
“It’s very expensive, but we are hopeful that other donor partners will contribute. Our aim is to get grants that will enable the Ghana Water Company to expand this facility so that we can ensure a consistent and sustainable water supply for Ho and its surrounding areas,” he said.
The expansion project, which aims to meet both current and future demand, is critical for the city’s growth.
The minister highlighted that proper planning and execution of the expansion will ensure Ho has access to sufficient clean water, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation.
“We must take a forward-looking approach,” he noted. “The technical experts in charge of the project must work alongside the government to ensure the water supply facility is upgraded to meet the needs of the growing population.”
As the population continues to rise, the need for a robust, long-term water supply system has never been more urgent for the people of Ho. The proposed expansion is poised to address the water challenges in the city and ensure its continued development into the future.
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