Northern Regional Minister Calls Urgent Meeting to Address Water Crisis in Tamale

Tamale, Ghana – The Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John, convened a crucial meeting with officials from the Ghana Water Company (GWC) on Monday March 03, 2025 at the Northern Regional Coordinating Council to address the ongoing water crisis plaguing Tamale and its surrounding communities. This urgent gathering comes in response to numerous complaints from residents who have faced prolonged water shortages, with some going months without access to potable water.

“This meeting has become very necessary as a result of non-supply of water to Tamale town and its environs for a very long time,” Hon. John stated emphatically. “Complaints have come to my outfit in different forms. Some have come one-on-one to complain to me, while others have sent text messages or threatened demonstrations.”

The Minister expressed his personal frustration regarding the situation, revealing, “For the past four months in my house, they have not opened water up to thrice. It was only last week that they opened in the night, and by the following day, people from your outfit were already there to collect their bills.” His candid remarks underscored the urgency of the situation, particularly as many residents are currently observing Ramadan. “If you fast the whole day and at the time that you are going to break your fast, it’s still difficult for you to get potable water, then that is very serious.”

Hon. John urged GWC representatives, including Regional Production Manager Engineer Albert W. Nyeteng and Regional Distribution Manager Engineer Baba Alhassan Abubakari, to take immediate action. “Whatever we can do to step up the pumping of water, please let us go ahead and do it,” he implored.

The Minister also raised concerns regarding allegations of GWC personnel selling water at strategic points to tanker drivers while residents suffer from a lack of supply. “I pray and hope that this is not seen as truth,” he said. “If my investigation reveals the slightest truth about anybody who can sit down and plunge the entire Tamale into this crisis and only open a point to be making money, it will not be good.”

Hon. John concluded the meeting with a call for unity and action. “I didn’t want us to get there. If this is the practice, it must be stopped from today. Let’s find solutions to the Tamale water crisis.”

In a situational report presented by Engineer Albert W. Nyeteng, the Regional Production Manager at the Ghana Water Company (GWC), the alarming state of water supply in Tamale has been laid bare. With a population of approximately 1.3 million people, the demand for water has far exceeded the current production capabilities, leading to acute shortages, especially during the dry season.

According to Ing. Nyeteng the water supply systems at Dalun and Nawuni are experiencing significant challenges due to outdated infrastructure. “GWC is currently producing an average of 35,000 cubic meters (m³) of water per day. However, the minimum requirement to meet the needs of Tamale is estimated at 90,000 m³ per day”, he noted . Ing. Nyeteng was quick to admit that, residents are facing severe water shortages, particularly during the dry season.

Engineer Baba Alhassan Abubakari, the Regional Distribution Manager, of the GWC on his part, outlined several key interventions aimed at alleviating the water crisis. He mentioned the restoration of the functionality of the 20,000 m³ capacity Ground Level Tank (GLT) at Kukuo Yalpalsi to improve water pressure, Construction of a bypass at Kukuo Yalpalsi GLT to provide operational flexibility and optimize water usage. Total cost for these interventions according to Ing Alhassan is estimated at 5.8 million Ghana cedis, excluding contractor charges.

He again, mentioned replacement of faulty valves and installation of new ones in the distribution network to facilitate effective rationing and extension of approximately 18 kilometers of mains in Greater Tamale to enhance distribution capabilities among others.

As residents await tangible results from this meeting, the hope remains that swift measures will be implemented to restore reliable water supply to Tamale, ensuring that no citizen is left without access to this vital resource.

Source: newslinkgh.wordpress.com