Techiman, a burgeoning city in Ghana’s Bono East Region, and its surrounding towns are grappling with an increasingly severe water shortage. The Techiman Water Supply System, initially constructed in 1997 and located in Tanoso, has struggled to keep pace with the growing demand. This aging infrastructure, which draws water from the Tano River and is supplemented by boreholes, currently supplies just 4,348m³ of water per day, a far cry from the 15,228m³ required to meet the needs of the area’s expanding population.
With water demand projected to soar to 19,385m³ per day by 2030, the Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has embarked on an ambitious project to address the deficit. In response to this urgent need, the Government of Ghana secured a USD100 million loan from the Government of Korea through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF). The funds, approved by Parliament in November 2020, are earmarked for the expansion and rehabilitation of the Techiman Water Supply System, including the construction of a new Water Treatment Plant (WTP) with a capacity of 17,000m³ per day.
Despite these efforts, the project has been subject to public scrutiny, with some journalists and social commentators alleging mismanagement and a lack of progress. In response, GWL has issued a detailed statement refuting these claims, clarifying the steps taken thus far, and emphasizing the importance of due diligence in ensuring the project’s success.
Key Milestones in the Project
GWL outlined that the process has involved several critical steps, beginning with the formation of a Technical Appraisal Committee (TAC) in 2021 to evaluate consultancy services for the project. Following a thorough evaluation, the TAC ranked the CHEIL-KECC-SAMAN JV as the top consultancy firm. The firm has been engaged to provide detailed design and construction supervision services for the project.
Negotiations between GWL and CHEIL-KECC-SAMAN JV were successfully concluded in October 2022, and the contract is currently awaiting final approval from the Korea Exim Bank. A significant milestone was reached in August 2024 when the Korea Exim Bank granted a No Objection for the signing of the consultancy contract, paving the way for the project to commence by the end of the third quarter of 2024.
Clarifying Misconceptions
GWL also addressed several misconceptions surrounding the project. Contrary to claims that the loan funds have been misappropriated, GWL clarified that the loan agreement stipulates that payments for works under the project will be made directly by the Korea Exim Bank to the contractors upon receipt of authorized invoices. This mechanism ensures transparency and accountability in the use of funds.
Furthermore, GWL emphasized that the approval of the loan by Parliament does not imply that the funds have been disbursed to the Government. The disbursement is contingent on the progress of the project and is closely monitored by both GWL and the Korea Exim Bank.
Looking Ahead
GWL reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the water needs of Techiman and surrounding areas, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals set by the Government of Ghana. The organization also urged media houses and individuals to seek accurate information before publishing claims about the project, advising them to consult GWL’s communications team or use the Right to Information Desk at the company’s head office.
As the Techiman Water Supply Expansion Project moves forward, GWL remains focused on delivering a robust water supply system that meets the needs of the region’s growing population, ensuring sustainable access to clean water for all
