Minneapolis-based Lemna International Inc. has signed a contract to improve the drinking water system in Ghana.

CEO Viet Ngo of Lemna was in Ghana Wednesday to sign the $80 million agreement for the expansion and rehabilitation of the drinking water system for the city of Sunyani and 16 surrounding towns and villages. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans was present at the ceremony. The Secretary is currently visiting Africa with a group of 10 U.S. business executives, including Ngo.

Lemna had submitted a bid for the system that was accepted in April 2001. But before a contract could be signed, the project required a $521,000 feasibility study and a preliminary design. The study was completed recently, with the U.S. Trade and Development Agency paying $365,000 and Lemna providing the rest of the money.

The next step is raising the $80 million expected project cost, which will "hopefully" take about six months, said Lemna vice president Poldi Gerard. Once work gets underway, the project should be finished in about two-and-a-half years.