Koforidua (Eastern Region), 9 April ?99 ?

The Ghana Water and Sewerage Corporation (GWSC) and two Japanese firms are discussing the construction of a treatment plant on the Birim River at Bunso and an underground reservoir to solve the perennial water problem facing the Koforidua Municipality.

In the interim, a Spanish consortium, Gestagua Ibadesa, has been awarded a contract to rehabilitate the water treatment facility at Densugya, near Koforidua, which serves the New Juaben Municipality. The project, when completed, will increase daily water supply to million gallons.

Mr Emmanuel Fosu, Eastern Regional Director of the GWSC told reporters at Koforidua on Wednesday that the Koforidua-Densugya project forms part of an integral water supply project costing 10 million dollars for the Eastern Region. It includes the rehabilitation of water systems at Nsawam, Nkwakaw, Asamankese, Anum-Boso and the Akuapem Ridge. Currently, water is rationed every other day for residents of the municipality. Mr Fosu said the treatment plant on River Birim, which flows throughout the year, would serve the Osiem, Kukurantumi, as well as the New and Old Tafo townships. The facility will also augment water supply from Densugya for Koforidua.

On the underground water reservoir, he said the firms were seeking a spot outside Koforidua because water tables there contain iron, which is dangerous for human consumption.