PURC Tackles Kumasi Water Crisis
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has summoned the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and Ghana Water Limited (GWL) to an emergency meeting over persistent low-voltage challenges threatening water production in the Ashanti Region.
The meeting, held virtually yesterday, followed recent low-voltage supply to the Barekese Water Treatment Station, which disrupted the production and distribution of potable water to parts of Greater Kumasi.
The three utility providers, after extensive deliberations, agreed on a number of immediate measures to address the challenge and prevent further disruptions to water supply.
GRIDCo, at the meeting, pledged to fast-track the Anwomaso-Ridge transmission upgrade, which is expected to increase power transmission capacity from 360MVA to 1,000MVA.
The project is expected to improve power supply to major load centres in Kumasi.
GRIDCo also announced plans to upgrade the Nyiaeso Bulk Supply Point (BSP) transformer and develop a third BSP for the Ashanti Region as part of efforts to ensure long-term stability in the region’s power supply.
ECG, on its part, agreed to expedite the upgrade of the Adoato-Barekese distribution line from 150mm² to 265mm² conductors.
The upgrade is expected to improve voltage quality to Barekese and adjoining communities, including facilities operated by GWL.
The Nsuta-Kumawu project was also identified as a critical intervention to improve electricity supply in the region.
GWL assured the PURC that it would expedite the reconfiguration of transformers at its facilities to help improve voltage quality and ensure stable water production.
The Ashanti Regional Manager of PURC, Edward Boduah Kingston, said the Commission would immediately constitute an investigation team to assess the situation on the ground and monitor progress on the agreed projects.
He disclosed that the outcome of the meeting would also be escalated to the national level for further support.
Mr. Kingston urged ECG and GRIDCo to improve communication with GWL concerning project timelines and planned maintenance activities.
He explained that timely information would enable GWL to plan its production and distribution effectively and also keep consumers informed about possible disruptions.
The measures, he said, were aimed at improving electricity reliability and protecting critical services, particularly water production and distribution in Greater Kumasi.
The meeting was attended by Ing. Peter Aquah, Area Manager of GRIDCo Kumasi; Ing. Maxwell Akosah-Kusi, Regional Distribution Manager of GWL Ashanti South; Dr. Hanson Akutteh, Chief Manager of Production, GWL Ashanti; Mrs. Yvonne Coleman, Chief Manager, Ashanti South, GWL; Ing. Christopher Anafo and his team; and officials of the PURC Ashanti Regional Office.
