Stanley Martey, Head of Communication for the Ghana Water Limited (GWL), has refuted claims circulating in the media regarding the alleged misuse of funds earmarked for the Techiman Water Supply Expansion Project.
In a detailed statement, Martey emphasized that contrary to the speculations by some journalists and social commentators, the $100 million loan secured for the project remains intact and no funds have been dissipated.
The Techiman Water Supply System, located in Tanoso, has long struggled to meet the water demands of Techiman and 15 surrounding towns due to rapid population growth.
The system, commissioned in 1997, currently supplies 4,348m³/day of water, a significant shortfall from the required 15,228m³/day.
With water demand projected to increase to 19,385m³/day by 2030, the Government of Ghana sought financial assistance from the Export-Import Bank of Korea through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) to expand the system.
The Techiman Water Supply Expansion Project, estimated at $100 million, will rehabilitate the existing infrastructure and construct a new Water Treatment Plant (WTP) with a capacity of 17,000m³/day to meet the growing demand.
The project, he explained is being financed by a loan from the Export-Import Bank of Korea, and as per the agreement, Korean contractors and consultants will oversee the project under the EDCF guidelines.
Mr. Martey outlined the key milestones achieved so far, including the signing of the loan agreement between the Governments of Ghana and Korea in December 2020 and the evaluation of technical proposals in 2021.
The selected consulting firm, Messrs CHEIL-KECC-SAMAN JV, was chosen after rigorous assessment by the Technical Appraisal Committee (TAC) constituted by GWL.
Negotiations for consultancy services were completed in October 2022, and the project awaits final approval from the Korea Exim Bank, which has given its No Objection for the project to commence by the third quarter of 2024.
Mr. Stanley Martey reiterated that the claims of delays or mismanagement are unfounded.
"Approval of the loan by Parliament does not mean the funds have been received by the Government. Payments for works will be made directly by the Korea Exim Bank, ensuring transparency and accountability," he stated.
He further urged media houses and social commentators to verify information before making public statements and encouraged the use of the Right to Information Desk at GWL for any inquiries related to the project.
"The Techiman Water Supply Expansion Project is on course, and GWL remains committed to improving service delivery and supporting the Government's efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals," Martey concluded.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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