Accra: The Integrated Social Development Center and the Africa Water Justice Network have called on the Public Utility and Regulatory Commission (PURC) to reject the Ghana Water Company Limited's (GWCL) proposed 280% increase in water tariffs. The two civil society organizations emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to address both internal and external challenges affecting water service delivery.
According to Ghana News Agency, the organizations advocate for government and PURC intervention to help GWCL reduce Non-Revenue Water rates to align with international standards. This would necessitate urgent investments in pipeline rehabilitation, metering, data systems, and anti-theft measures. The statement from the civil societies highlights grave concerns about GWCL's proposal, which cites increased treatment costs due to pollution from galamsey and other sources.
The statement urges the government to reevaluate or terminate the Teshie desalination contract, which is reportedly burdening GWCL's financial stability. Additionally, it proposes a 2.5% compensatory levy on oil and mining revenues to support the water sector, asserting that those benefiting from extractive industries should contribute to safeguarding water resources.
The organizations also call for a restructuring of GWCL's procurement processes to ensure transparency, competitive bidding, and parliamentary oversight, which would help prevent political interference and protect public resources. They stress that PURC's regulation should prioritize the human right to water over commercial interests.
The statement argues that the challenges facing GWCL and urban water management extend beyond tariff issues, warning that approving the tariff hike without addressing existing inefficiencies and exploitative contracts would betray public trust. It recognizes the significant threat posed by illegal mining to Ghana's water resources but cautions against relying solely on tariff increases as a solution to the broader crisis.
The civil societies urge PURC to exercise its regulatory duty comprehensively, ensuring that public concerns about galamsey do not overshadow other critical issues impacting GWCL's operational and financial health.
