Ministry of Works and Housing signs MoU for water exploration in Ghana

The Ministry of Works, Housing, and Water Resources has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with S.E.D.A Farminc Ghana Limited. This Czech company will provide technical cooperation for water exploration in Ghana.

S.E.D.A will use technology to identify groundwater areas. This will help agencies improve water supply in rural and peri-urban communities.

The project will begin in the Northern Region. Cities like Tamale, Tumu, Wa, and Damongo will benefit from the first phase.

This cooperation aims to develop joint projects and enhance capacity building. It also focuses on groundwater resource improvement and technology transfer.

Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei stated that the MoU would improve water service delivery nationwide. He called it a structured collaboration to strengthen Ghana’s water sector.

Adjei emphasized the need for practical solutions to long-standing challenges. These include providing safe and reliable water supplies that can withstand climate change.

He noted that the sector faces many constraints. These include limited infrastructure, climate change impacts, inefficient systems, and financial shortfalls.

The Minister said government cannot solve these issues alone. Partnerships like this one are essential for progress.

He pointed out that Ghana's groundwater potential is under-explored and poorly mapped. Some areas are over-exploited without proper recharge.

This situation threatens long-term water source viability, especially in drought-prone regions. The partnership aims to conduct comprehensive mapping of groundwater aquifers.

It will also establish data systems for monitoring groundwater quality and yield. Additionally, it seeks to enhance local hydrologists' and engineers' technical skills.

Adjei mentioned that reliable groundwater mapping is crucial for lasting access to water. It can reduce borehole failure rates and improve planning for resilient water schemes.

He added that the partnership would explore blended financing options. This includes concessional loans, donor support, climate funds, and private capital mobilization.

Adjei believes S.E.D.A Farminc’s networks can help develop viable project proposals. These proposals could attract external funding for impactful water projects.

He stressed the importance of sustainable maintenance of water infrastructure. Innovative financing models like Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) should be part of their strategy.

Martin Habart, CEO of SEDA Africa Group, said this agreement continues their work in Eastern Region. They previously established a water treatment plant there.

Habart mentioned plans to set up a training center in Accra for Ghanaians. A technical taskforce team will also support the Ministry and key agencies like Ghana Water Company Limited.

This team will provide technical advice on all water infrastructure projects. Habart assured they would bring top experts to help address Ghana's water challenges while attracting investors and donors.

The signing ceremony was led by Czech Ambassador Pavel Bilek.