Operations at the Barekese Water Treatment Plant have been disrupted after a blast occurred at the facility’s high-lift section, leading to significant technical challenges for Ghana Water Ltd (GWL) in the Ashanti Region.

The incident, which damaged one of the three pumps responsible for delivering treated water to the city, has resulted in a marked reduction in water flow and pressure to consumers in Kumasi and surrounding communities.

According to GWL, the blast affected a major component of the pumping system, directly impacting the plant’s ability to maintain its usual output.

With only two pumps currently in operation, the distribution network is struggling to meet the demand of households, businesses, and institutions that depend on the Barekese system as their primary water source.

In an official communication, management explained that engineers have been on-site since the occurrence and are “working tirelessly” to restore the damaged pump. The team is engaged in detailed repair work to ensure the affected equipment is fixed safely and efficiently, allowing the plant to return to full capacity”.

While repairs are ongoing, the technical team has put in place temporary measures to manage and ration the available water volume.

These measures, according to GWL, are aimed at improving flow and pressure levels within the distribution lines to ensure that customers continue to receive water, even if intermittently.

Management stressed the importance of a stable and reliable water supply to the daily lives of residents and reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the situation with the urgency it demands.

“We understand the inconvenience this has caused and want to assure our cherished customers that we are doing everything possible to normalise water flow as soon as possible,” the statement noted.

Already, some communities, including Santasi and Atonsu, are experiencing acute water shortages.

The company emphasised that once the repairs are completed, full operational capacity will be restored, and customers will enjoy the improved flow and pressure they rely on.