Safe and accessible water is a major requirement for every growing community, and Goaso in the Ahafo Region, is no exception.

And to meet the growing demands due to the regional capital status with the anticipated industrialization in the new region, the existing 10km water system required an upgrade.

The Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), under the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, redesigned the old system to 90km of distribution pipelines and 12km of transmission pipelines, capable of providing 100 litres (20 gallons) of safe water per day to each resident of Goaso.

It would also be able to serve 20 years of projected demand.

At the project start-up and handing over the site ceremony in Goaso, Worlanyo Kwadjo Siabi, Chief Executive Officer of CWSA, said the project is at a cost of over ¢49 million and the two contractors – Pumptech and Beda Engineers Construction Limited, are scheduled to complete in two years.

A portion of the Goaso Water System project layout

The system would operate on a hybrid of grid and solar power with standpipes fitted with smart prepaid dispensers, among others.

He explained that water would be taken into a new tank as part of the redesign.

“We used to have 90 cubic meters of fibreglass tank and 45 cubic meters of a concrete tank. But we are replacing them with two new 200 cubic meters concrete tanks”.

Mr Siabi further added that the HDPE pipes they are using have a life expectancy above 50 years.

Goaso Water System project contractors being introduced by Worlanyo Kwadjo Siabi, CEO, CWSA

He noted that these and many other components added to the new design are aimed at the new status of Goaso which requires portable water as part of development.

To ensure a smooth completion of the project, the CEO said they will consult the authorities in the municipality to ensure smooth access to land for the laying of the pipes.

“The delay of the project could come from the community. We need their cooperation, assistance, and support for successful completion. If there are problems, they (residents and land owners) should talk to the paramount chief, the regional minister, and the CWSA for resolution”, he appealed.

Ahafo Regional Minister, George Boakye, said the reconstruction of the Goaso water system has come at the right time and its completion would be a relief for the about 30,000 residents.

“Water is life and whenever it is not sufficient there would be a backlash from the community”, he said, adding that the new system being put in place and the volume of water to be available for residents will end the backlash.

He applauded the government for providing the funds and appealed to the residents to give the contractors the needed support to aid them finish the project within the 24 months agreed upon.

Goaso's paramount chief, Nana Kwasi Bosomprah, on his part, assured CWSA and the contractors of the cooperation of his people during the projects but said they will not compromise on shoddy works.

He also appealed to the contractors to offer job opportunities to some of the deserving residents to improve the economic well-being of the people during their time in the community.