Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has made a bold move in the fight against water loss by launching a specialized Leak Detection Field (LDF), a project designed to train staff in cutting-edge leakage detection techniques. This initiative, in collaboration with Denmark’s Aarhus Vand, aims to arm GWL’s engineers and technicians with the skills and tools necessary to tackle the alarming water loss that plagues Ghana’s urban water systems. Currently, GWL faces a staggering 48 percent loss of its annual production of approximately 324 million cubic meters of water, translating into an eye-watering financial drain of GH₵1.89 billion.
The partnership with Aarhus Vand, facilitated by the Danish Embassy, is a significant leap forward in addressing these inefficiencies. The project is not just about plugging leaks; it’s about instilling a culture of proactive water management. With the establishment of the LDF, GWL staff will gain hands-on experience in identifying and repairing both visible and hidden leaks in the pipeline network. This practical training ground is set to revolutionize how water loss is managed in Ghana, leveraging Danish technology that has proven effective in other contexts.
Dr. Clifford Braimah, Managing Director of GWL, underscored the urgency of this initiative, articulating how unreported leaks can fester for years, diminishing water pressure and crippling the utility’s ability to deliver a reliable water supply. He emphasized that this program isn’t merely about addressing the obvious; it’s about uncovering those hidden losses that significantly impact operational efficiency and financial stability. “This initiative is not only about fixing visible issues but also targeting those unseen losses that impact our technical and financial performance,” he stated, highlighting the need for innovative technology in positioning GWL as a world-class utility.
The LDF is a crucial component of GWL’s modernization efforts, which have already seen the introduction of smart meters for remote readings, enhancing billing accuracy and customer convenience. The digitization of commercial operations, including payment systems, marks a significant step towards improving customer service. As GWL ramps up its efforts to mitigate water losses, the LDF stands as a beacon of hope for a more sustainable water management model that benefits both the utility and its customers.
Ambassador Tom Norring of Denmark echoed the sentiments of urgency and opportunity, stating, “the cheapest water is the water we do NOT use.” His remarks highlight the broader implications of reducing water loss—not just for GWL’s bottom line, but for the entire community that relies on consistent water supply. By minimizing water loss, GWL can improve service delivery to underserved areas, thereby addressing a critical need in Ghana’s urban landscape.
The use of Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and modern asset management techniques shared by Danish partners adds another layer of sophistication to GWL’s operations. Mr. Maxwell Akosah-Kusi, Manager of Non-Revenue Water at GWL, demonstrated the technology that allows technicians to identify leaks through sound signals, showcasing a practical application of the training provided.
As GWL embarks on this journey, the implications extend beyond immediate operational gains. With increased efficiency, GWL can redirect resources towards expanding and maintaining its water networks, ensuring that more Ghanaians have access to clean, potable water. The potential to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 hinges on this kind of innovative thinking and collaboration. The future of Ghana’s water sector could very well depend on the success of initiatives like the Leak Detection Field, marking a transformative shift in how water resources are managed and conserved in the country.
