The Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Mr Adam Mutawakilu, has revealed that GH¢5 million has so far been spent on fabricating new transmission pipelines to replace old and deteriorating ones.

He explained that the investment had become necessary due to the poor condition of pipelines conveying water from the Kpong Water Treatment Plant to parts of Tema and Accra West, many of which have developed leakages over time.

According to him, about 40 per cent of water produced at the Kpong Water Treatment Plant is lost through leakages along the transmission lines, contributing significantly to non-revenue water losses.

Mr Mutawakilu made this known when he led a GWL delegation yesterday to inspect the main transmission lines from Kpong to Tema. The team also visited the company’s Central Workshop, where new pipelines are being fabricated for ongoing rehabilitation works.

During the inspection, sections of the 21-inch, 24-inch and 42-inch pipelines were found to be badly damaged, resulting in significant water losses meant for communities in Tema and Accra West.

He said the inspection followed earlier investigations which confirmed that one of the main 21-inch transmission lines had multiple leakages.

Mr Mutawakilu expressed optimism that the situation would improve once the over 70-year-old pipelines are fully replaced.

He added that a second tranche of funding would soon be released to support the replacement exercise and restore the integrity of the transmission system.

The GWL Managing Director further noted that the company was exploring opportunities linked to the Tema–Akosombo road project, under which some pipelines could be relocated.

He said the replacement project is expected to be completed within three months in order to help significantly reduce non-revenue water losses.

On illegal connections, Mr Mutawakilu disclosed that GWL’s non-revenue enhancement team had identified 375 customers in Accra involved in illegal water connections, with the number rising daily.

He said offenders were being required to settle outstanding bills, face prosecution, or be disconnected until all liabilities were cleared.

He revealed that GWL had lost about GH¢16 million through illegal connections but had so far recovered GH¢3.7 million.

Moreover, Mr Mutawakilu commended the National Security Coordinator for supporting GWL in identifying persons involved in illegal water connections.

He assured the public of continuous monitoring of the transmission network.

“We have a pipe maintenance team in place that is monitoring these pipelines. Once we replace them, they will provide monthly reports, and based on those reports, we will take the necessary action,” he underlined.