Government secures €106 million grant for Tamale, Damongo water projects

‎Government of Ghana has secured a €106 million grant from the European Unio (EU) for Tamale, Damongo water project.

The EU and its development financiers, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Invest International, provided the grant which is aimed at addressing the long-standing water challenge in the Northern Region.

The Managing Director of Ghana Water Company Limited, Mr. Adam Mutawakilu, disclosed this information when he led officials of GWL to interact with various stakeholders on the commencement of the project.

The team visited the Overlord of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, the Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Be-Awuribe, Northern Regional Minister Hon. Adolf Ali, Paramount Chief Gulkpegu traditional Naa Allhasan Abdulai, Tamale Dakpema Naa Fuseini Bawa, among others.

The project when completed, is expected to produce about 135,000 cubic metres of water daily for a sustainable supply of potable water to the Tamale Metropolis, Damongo and several communities along the transmission corridor from Yapei through Kusawgu and Fufulso Junction.

In his addresses at the chief palaces, Mr. Adam Mutawakilu noted that the consultations were intended to apprise stakeholders and residents of the project’s scope, benefits, and potential impacts, with assurances that project-affected persons would receive adequate compensation prior to the start of construction.

He said the Finance Minister had signed the grant agreement with the European Union, the European Investment Bank and Invest International, while a commitment authorisation for the Damongo component of the project had already been secured since April this year.

“We all know that without compensation for project-affected persons, the smooth execution of the project could be impeded. The President has made it clear that he does not want construction to begin amid disputes over compensation and related concerns,” he stated.

Mr Adam Mutawakilu indicated that while preparations continued for the new water project, GWL was simultaneously implementing interventions to improve water supply from the existing Tamale Water Treatment Plant.

He said spare parts on some treatment units have already been replaced, leading to improved water production and flow.