Business News of Monday, 29 April 2013

Source: Joy Online

Oil companies turn to Ivory Coast for water

Oil companies in the Western region have resorted to buying water from Ivory Coast as supply of water in the region is increasingly becoming scarce.

Authorities of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) in the region have disclosed water supply to both domestic and industry consumers is still fraught with severe challenges including unstable power.

Regional Production Manager of GWCL, Mark Cudjoe, said the company cannot meet the demands of, especially, their industrial consumers.

According to Mr. Cudjoe, Tullow has been demanding water for their vessels for some time now, but due to GWCL’s inability to meet this need, the oil company has fallen on Ivory Coast. He said the development is depriving Ghana Water Company of important revenue.

Mr. Cudjoe further noted that the Volta River Authority (VRA)’s T3 project, which will soon be commissioned, will further increase demand for water, but GWCL systems will not be able to deliver under the current circumstances.

He indicated that the galamsey menace has also been a significant contributor to the Company’s inability to adequately meet the water needs of the Western region.