Accra, Ghana - (September 28, 2001) The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) today provided a $365,071 grant to the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) to partially fund a $521,530 feasibility study to examine a water infrastructure rehabilitation and expansion project in Sunyani. U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Nancy Powell signed the grant agreement on behalf of TDA. Managing Director J.N.A. Nunoo signed on behalf of GWCL. Ghanaian Minister of Works and Housing Kwamena Bartels witnessed the signing for the Ghanaian Government.

Sunyani is the capital and commercial center of Ghana's Brong Ahafo Region. Its water treatment and supply system was built in 1962 and serves Sunyani and 16 surrounding towns. The system is deteriorating and leakages are commonplace. Furthermore, the Tano River, which supplies the system, is gradually drying up.

This TDA-sponsored feasibility study will provide GWCL with a banakable report evaluating the technical, financial, economic and environmental factors influencing the water system's refurbishment and expansion. If implemented, the project will result in the more efficient use of the Tano River, the more reliable delivery of water to the system's consumers, and expansion of the network across a wider geography. Lemna International of Minneapolis, Minnesota will execute the study and contribute in-kind services to cover 30 percent of the study's costs.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency promotes American private sector participation by helping U.S. companies pursue business opportunities in developing and middle income countries. Through the funding of feasibility studies, orientation visits, specialized training grants, business workshops, and various forms of technical assistance, we help American businesses compete for infrastructure projects in emerging markets. In addition, the agency promotes capacity building initiatives and supports U.S. government trade, economic policy and development objectives around the world.

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