The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has revealed that expanding Ho’s water supply system will cost approximately $52 million, according to estimates from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL).

Speaking on PM Express on JoyNews, Mr Gunu stressed the need for a long-term solution to the city’s water crisis. He stated that while the estimated cost is significant, the expansion must be designed to accommodate Ho’s rapidly growing population.

“In 1992/1993, when this facility was constructed, Ho had a population of about 5,000 but today, it is over 250,000, and the demand is over 30,000 meters. If we are planning for the future, we must consider a population of over 500,000,” he said.

He noted that Ho’s increasing number of universities, other educational institutions, and other developments are driving rapid population growth, making it crucial to ensure a sustainable water supply.

While acknowledging the high cost, Mr Gunu expressed hope that donor partners would provide grants to support the expansion. He emphasised that proper planning is necessary to prevent future shortages and meet the UN Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation.

"It is very expensive but we hope that other donor partners will come in, and let's see whether we can get some grants to enable the Ghana Water Company to expand this facility so that we can have sustainable supply of water to serve the growing population of Ho and its environs.

The technical experts in charge must help the government expand this facility so we can ensure a sustainable water supply for Ho and its surrounding areas,” he added.