The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has disclosed that the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant, a key facility serving Cape Coast and nearby towns in Ghana, is operating significantly below its designed output. According to the Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr. Shafic Suleman, the plant is currently producing less than 18,000 cubic meters of water per day, against an estimated capacity of about 30,000 cubic meters. This shortfall is attributed to the fact that only one of the plant's three pumps is currently operational.
The timing of the shortfall is critical as Ghana is heading into the dry season, a period when water levels in rivers and reservoirs typically decline. Dr. Suleman warned that this could exacerbate the plant's existing production problems, potentially leading to longer intervals between water flow or reduced pressure in Cape Coast and surrounding communities. The region is already experiencing inconsistent water supply, which many residents have been facing due to the plant's reduced output.
During a working visit to Cape Coast, Dr. Suleman explained that the gap between the plant's designed capacity and its current output is likely the cause of the inconsistent water supply in the Central Region. He emphasized that the situation may worsen in the coming months if the plant's production problems are not addressed. The PURC is taking steps to mitigate the impact of the dry season on water supply, including engaging the Ghana Water Company Limited to step up dredging at the Sekyere Hemang intake point.
The PURC has received over 1,200 consumer complaints in the Central Region since the start of the year, with about 90 percent of these complaints resolved. Dr. Suleman also pointed to separate infrastructure problems that have disrupted supply in parts of the region, including a pipeline fault near Ekon in Cape Coast that cut off some communities for nearly four months. Engineers from Ghana Water Company Limited and the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly eventually replaced the damaged section and restored flow.
Ongoing road construction along the Kasoa–Cape Coast–Takoradi corridor has caused extensive damage to water pipelines, affecting multiple communities along the route. Dr. Suleman stated that PURC and Ghana Water Company Limited have identified the affected areas and are engaging contractors responsible for the road works to fix the damaged lines. This effort aims to prevent further disruptions to water supply in the region.
To improve production and mitigate the impact of the dry season, PURC plans to engage the Ghana Water Company Limited to step up dredging at the Sekyere Hemang intake point. Dr. Suleman expressed hope that these interventions would prevent a drastic disruption to consumers. Additionally, PURC intends to set up a toll-free contact center for the Central Region and a satellite office near Agona Swedru to make it easier for consumers to lodge complaints.
The PURC, as the state agency responsible for regulating utility providers in Ghana, plays a crucial role in protecting the interests of consumers. The commission's efforts to address the challenges facing the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant are essential in ensuring a reliable water supply to Cape Coast and nearby towns. The situation will continue to be monitored as the dry season approaches.
Key points
- The Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant is currently producing less than 18,000 cubic meters of water per day, against an estimated capacity of about 30,000 cubic meters.
- The plant's reduced output is attributed to the breakdown of two of its three pumps.
- The PURC is taking steps to mitigate the impact of the dry season on water supply, including engaging the Ghana Water Company Limited to step up dredging at the Sekyere Hemang intake point.
