The Board of Ghana Water Limited (GWL) says it is taking steps to significantly increase the utilisation of the Jambussie Water Treatment Plant, which currently operates far below capacity despite persistent water challenges in parts of the Wa Municipality.
During an inspection tour of the facility—located at Jambussie in the Wa West District along the Black Volta River—Board Chairperson Mr. Adamu Billiguo described the plant’s low usage as a major economic concern, noting that while the treatment plant is able to produce 15,000 cubic meters of water per day, only 40 percent of that capacity is currently being used.
“It does not make economic sense for a plant of this size to be under-utilised while communities nearby still struggle for treated, potable water,” he emphasised.
To address the gap, the Board has announced plans to facilitate the procurement of additional pipelines in 2026 to extend water supply to several unconnected parts of Wa. The move is expected to push production utilisation to at least 60 percent, easing dependence on untreated water sources such as boreholes and surface water.
Communities Along the Wa–Jambussie Road to Benefit
Mr. Billiguo added that the Board would collaborate with regional management to install at least three public standpipes in communities along the Wa–Jambussie corridor, where residents continue to grapple with acute water shortages despite being close to transmission lines.
Concerns Over Plant Security and Access Road
The Board Chairperson also raised concerns about the inadequate security around the treatment plant, promising discussions with management on improved surveillance and better protection of the facility.
He further assured that engagements would be initiated with the Wa West Member of Parliament and relevant authorities to push for repairs on the deteriorating access road leading to the plant—an issue that affects staff mobility and operations.
Water Quality Not Affected by Illegal Mining—GWL
Station Manager Mr. Alhassan Ali, who briefed the Board, noted that illegal mining activities currently posed no direct threat to water quality at the plant. However, he explained that turbidity levels in the Black Volta—which serves as the plant’s raw water source—increase sharply during the rainy season, rising from 58 NTU on normal days to nearly 1000 NTU due to runoff.
Board Engages Staff Over Operational Challenges
The Board also held discussions with management and staff of the Upper West regional office to better understand operational challenges and explore strategies for improving service delivery.
The planned expansions, once implemented, are expected to improve access to potable water across Wa, reduce pressure on untreated sources, and ensure effective use of the Jambussie facility—one of the region’s largest water infrastructure assets.
