Outgoing Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Joseph Kofi Adda has revealed, in a report that, nearly 30 percent of boreholes across the country are either broken down or not functioning properly.
It said, illegal mining activities and the inability to treat water coming out of the boreholes has adversely contributed to this and affected many river bodies.
To deal with this, the ministry, through the Water and Sanitation Agency has completed the processes for the award of contracts for drilling of 2,000 boreholes throughout the country. While some are to be fitted with hand pumps, others would be mechanized to fit into small town water systems.
Last year, President Akufo-Addo commissioned the Wa water project while others such as the Essakyir, Akim Oda and Winneba water projects, which have been completed, are awaiting commissioning.
The report said a cabinet memorandum has also been prepared for the consideration of the Sogakope – Lome water project, two memoranda for the drilling and mechanization of 5,000 and 3,000 boreholes respectively, in two different instances.
The estimated cost of these proposals stands at about US$1.5 billion.
The outgoing minister said government has also collaborated with some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide various forms of drinking water, such as stand-alone boreholes in the rural areas.
The report added, a proposal to improve the quality of water through a filtration system in rural-urban communities across the country is to be financed by the United Kingdom Export Finance Agency.
The proposal, has been transformed into a cabinet memorandum awaiting approval.
Adda said plans are also far advanced to procure 2,000 solar pumps from an Indian manufacturer through the Indian Eximbank.
“All these initiatives would further help to improve water supply across the country and draw the country closer to achieving the ‘Water for All’ agenda set by government,” he concluded.
By Mawuli Y. Ahorlumegah