Construction works on the long-awaited Tamale Water Project are set to commence next year to help boost water supply to residents of the area, President John Dramani Mahama has assured.
“I want to assure you that next year, work is going to start at the Damongo-Tamale water station. We are going to create a new pumping station to supply millions of gallons of water to the people,” he said.
Speaking at the 65th anniversary celebration of Ghana Senior High School (GHANASCO) in Tamale, President Mahama stated that the government had made adequate financial provision in the 2026 budget to kick-start the project, describing it as a major step towards resolving the persistent water crisis that continues to bedevil the residents.
He said for several decades, residents of Tamale had relied on a single water source at Dalun, with the system increasingly strained by the rapid population growth and aged equipment.
The event, held on the theme, “A Legacy of Excellence, Inspiring Future Generations”, brought together former students, traditional leaders, government appointees, students and others.
Water crisis
The President explained that the water project involved the construction of a modern pumping station on the White Volta at Yapei, which would supply millions of additional gallons of water into the Tamale distribution network.
He pointed out that the project was essential to meeting both present and future water needs of Tamale and the surrounding communities.
For many years, Tamale has faced acute water shortages, compelling residents to resort to untreated water sources for domestic use.
The Tamale Water System, originally built in 1972, has only undergone one major expansion in 2008.
Officials from Ghana Water Limited attribute the water shortages in Tamale and surrounding areas to ageing infrastructure and a rapidly growing population that has outpaced the system’s supply capacity.
In July 2020, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo cut the sod for expansion works on the Tamale water project. However, the project was not started.
School projects
As part of the celebration, the President, who is an old student of the school, cut the sod for the construction of an astro turf with ancillary facilities for the school.
The 1,000-capacity facility consists of a handball court, basketball court, volleyball court and washrooms, among others.
Aside from that, the school is set to benefit from a 5,000-capacity multi-purpose assembly hall, a two-storey 12-unit classroom block, a two-storey boys’ dormitory, two 12-seater toilet facilities, and the rehabilitation and equipping of the science laboratory.
Additionally, GHANASCO would receive 2,000 pieces of furniture by December 31, this year.
President Mahama stressed that the additional infrastructure would significantly enhance academic work and improve the school’s capacity to accommodate more students.
“We must build more.
When I was entering the campus, I saw the Masters’ Bungalows to the left, and they were really an eyesore.
We must provide new accommodation for our staff.
I can feel how it is because I lived there myself,” he said.
President Mahama further advised the students to take their studies seriously and honour their teachers to prepare themselves for leadership roles in the future.
Gratitude
For his part, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, said: “Under your leadership, the Ghana Education Trust Fund will respond to some of the key developmental needs of this school and many others across the country”.
The Headmaster of GHANASCO, Douglas Haruna Yakubu, expressed gratitude to the President and all old students for their invaluable contribution towards the growth and development of the school.
Writer’s email: mohammed.fugu@graphic.com.gh
