Alhaji Collins Dauda, the Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing on Thursday said the Ministry was working to ensure that old and dilapidated pipe lines were replaced to facilitate effective water distribution in the country.

The Minister said there were old pipelines installed in the 1920’s and that they would be replaced.

He said the country was handicapped in providing what he described as “strong distribution channels” which would ensure that portable water gets to various communities.

The Minister said this when he received Gene A. Cretz, the US Ambassador, at his office in Accra.

He expressed worry over Ghana’s huge housing deficits, stressing that the country would need private collaboration to address the problem.

Alhaji Dauda said a look at the country’s democratic dispensation showed it was ready to do business with countries which are into the development of the water, housing and energy sectors.

He said he appreciated the collaboration between the US and Ghana and as a result of the partnership the people of Mampong in the Eastern Region had benefited from the provision of potable water.

“We would be glad if the US would also collaborate with our indigenous companies so they could provide support to the local people,” he said.

Mr Cretz congratulated the Minister on assumption of office and expressed his country’s readiness to collaborate with the Ministry in terms of the provision of social infrastructure.