Sunyani Water Supply Expansion Project in Ghana – Improving Lives through Sustainable Water Solutions

The Vision

In the heart of the Brong-Ahafo Province lies a visionary initiative that seeks to transform the lives of the people inhabiting the Sunyani Region. The Sunyani Region Water Supply Project is not just a water infrastructure endeavor; it is a commitment to providing safe, clean, and sustainable potable water to communities that will thrive and flourish for generations to come.

The Project

Covering an area of 45,000 hectares, the Sunyani Region Water Supply Project is designed to address the present and future water needs of the region. With an estimated population of 405,000 residents by 2040 and a projected water demand of 55,000 cubic meters per day (equivalent to 12 million gallons per day), this project stands as a testament to effective foresight and meticulous planning.

Phase 1 of the project, covering 36 months, focuses on essential groundwork. The plan includes:

  • Drawing 57,750 cubic meters of water daily from the Tano River, upstream from the existing weir near Abesem.
  • Construction of a cutting-edge water treatment plant capable of processing 55,000 cubic meters per day.
  • Laying down a network of main transmission lines spanning 93.2 kilometers of HDPE pipes.
  • Providing a storage capacity of 16,250 cubic meters.
  • Establishing a distribution network with a total length of 130 kilometers using HDPE pipes.
  • Installing 49 water fountains strategically across the area.
  • Connecting administration buildings and 7,500 residential units to the water supply.

Phase 2, also spanning 36 months but commencing from month 12 to month 48, introduces significant infrastructure enhancements:

  • The construction of a 21-meter-tall dam, spanning 1,000 meters along the Tano River, situated 3.5 kilometers North-East of Tanoso.
  • Extending the distribution network, utilizing HDPE pipes over 210 kilometers.
  • Installing an additional 147 water fountains.
  • Expanding water connections to administration buildings and another 7,500 households.

The Impact

Beyond the intricate details, the Sunyani Region Water Supply Project is driven by a profound commitment to creating tangible, lasting impacts on the region’s inhabitants.

  • Improved Living Standards: The project’s core objective is to ensure a constant, safe water supply for the communities it serves, thereby significantly enhancing the quality of life. Access to clean water is fundamental to sanitation, hygiene, and overall well-being.
  • Health and Wellness: Safe water supply directly translates to improved health. Reduced waterborne diseases and improved sanitation practices can lead to a healthier populace, reducing healthcare burdens and enabling healthier lifestyles.
  • Economic Growth: Reliable access to water is a cornerstone of economic development. The project sets the stage for new economic opportunities to flourish, potentially attracting investments, spurring entrepreneurship, and creating jobs.
  • Sustainability and Technological Advancement: By incorporating cutting-edge water technologies, the project sets an example for responsible resource management. It highlights the importance of sustainable practices and the positive impacts of technology on communities.
  • Capacity Building: The project not only serves the region but also contributes to building the capabilities of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) staff, ensuring that the system’s operations are efficient and effective.
  • Social Empowerment: Access to water goes beyond necessities; it empowers individuals and communities. The project uplifts spirits and nurtures a sense of community pride.

The Sunyani Region Water Supply Project is not merely infrastructure; it is a catalyst for positive change. As it advances in two transformative phases, its impact ripples through time, leaving a legacy of progress, prosperity, and a brighter future for the people of the Sunyani Region.

Desalination Project, Daru, PNG; Revolutionizing Water Access with the Daru Solar Powered Desalination Project

The Vision

Water, the essence of life, remains a distant dream for over 850 million people worldwide, with a staggering 80% of them residing in rural communities. This sobering reality has sparked a visionary endeavor: the Daru Solar Powered Desalination Project. A groundbreaking collaboration between IAI and LR GROUP, this initiative seeks to harness sustainable technology to provide clean and safe potable water to the most remote corners of the globe.

The Challenges

Daru Island, nestled in one of the planet’s most isolated regions, grapples with chronic water shortages that plague its populace. Historically, water supply relied on diesel-powered pumps stationed on the mainland, initiating a logistical labyrinth of fuel delivery. Barrels of fuel embarked on a sea journey lasting weeks, from Port Moresby to Daru, eventually reaching the distant pumping station. The island’s aged water grid further compounded the challenges, fraught with technical glitches and mechanical issues. This multifaceted struggle translated into a lack of access to safe water and adequate sanitation facilities for Daru’s inhabitants.

The Project

Commissioned by the PNG Sustainable Development Program, LR GROUP embarked on a mission to engineer a holistic and sustainable water solution for rural communities, with Daru as the pilot. The result: a pioneering, self-reliant solar-powered desalination plant, an innovative achievement. This facility not only yields an average of 1,500 cubic meters (CM) of potable water daily but also showcases a scalable capacity of up to 2,000 CM.

At the heart of the system lies a state-of-the-art Photo Voltaic (PV) Power Supply System. This environmentally friendly alternative energy source provides uninterrupted energy for 24/7 water supply, dramatically curtailing the reliance on costly diesel and generators. The PV power generation system features cutting-edge module technology, featuring a capacity of 1 megawatt peak (MWp) solar panels and a 2.8 megawatt-hour (MWh) energy storage battery, delivering a remarkable 1.6 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually. Designed with the future in mind, both the solar array and storage system are fully scalable to accommodate surges in water demand.

The Impact

The Daru Solar Powered Desalination Project is not just a technological breakthrough; it is a lifeline for the communities it serves. This pioneering initiative heralds an era of consistent, clean, and safe water supply for Daru’s residents, rendering the long and difficult journeys for water a thing of the past. The technology’s scalability ensures its potential to uplift other rural communities in dire need of clean water access. Beyond quenching thirst, this project fosters a healthier environment, empowering the residents to lead healthier, more dignified lives.

In a world where access to water is a fundamental right, the Daru Solar Powered Desalination Project stands as a beacon of hope, bridging gaps and driving progress in the realms of technology, sustainability, and human welfare.