Adam Mutawakilu – GWCL MD
The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has proposed a 280 percent increase in water tariffs, citing the devastating impact of illegal mining activities, popularly known as ‘galamsey’, as a key factor.
The proposal, presented during the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) stakeholder engagement in Accra yesterday, represents the highest tariff adjustment request among utility service providers, following the Electricity Company of Ghana’s (ECG) proposal of 225 percent.
According to the company, pollution of water bodies has significantly increased its costs of operation in terms of acquiring chemicals such as alum and lime for the treatment of water due to high turbidity.
Frequent siltation of intake sumps and high sludge generation are causing equipment damage and downtimes, the company said.
Ghana Water Company further stated that the market price of water far exceeds the current utility tariff paid by consumers, hence the need for the request to sustain its operations.
“A thousand litres of sachet water costs around GH¢1,000, while bottled water of the same quantity costs about GH¢ 6,000. The same volume sold in containers costs roughly GH¢440. By contrast, GWCL’s current tariff is just GH¢ 5.28 per 1,000 litres, far below market prices. This will ensure water quality, and replace worn-out electromechanical equipment,” it argued.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah