Sunyani: Dr. Shafic Suleman, the Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), has reaffirmed the commission's commitment to assisting utility providers in overcoming operational challenges to improve service delivery. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between PURC and utility providers to address emerging issues, ensuring reliable and enhanced services for customers.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Suleman provided these assurances during an interaction with personnel from the Ghana Water Limited (GWL) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) in Sunyani. This meeting was part of his working visit to the Bono Region, where he evaluated the operations of utility providers and inspected ongoing construction work on PURC's pro-poor water projects. Dr. Suleman urged GWL and NEDCo to enhance customer education on their operations.
Mr. Peter Ayamba, the Human Resource Manager of the Sunyani Area of NEDCo, highlighted the company's efforts to improve operations. These initiatives include revamping the Sunyani Customer Care Centre, extending operational hours to 2000 hours, and establishing additional zonal offices in Chiraa, Nsoatre, and Berekum. He also mentioned the construction of a new 34.5kV feeder in Sunyani and Mim, alongside the upgrading of existing feeders in Sunyani and Berekum. Mr. Ayamba noted that 51% of NEDCo's customers are within the lifeline bracket, impacting revenue due to illegal power connections and substandard meters.
Madam Janet Atebiya, the Water Quality Manager at the Bono Regional Office of the GWL, reported on the successful integration of a paperless billing system and efforts to meet rising consumer water demand. She noted that construction of the Wenchi Water Project is progressing and stressed the need to expand the water system in Sunyani Municipality. Madam Atebiya expressed concerns about the proliferation of commercial private borehole operations, which hinder the company's mandate.
Mr. Patrick Antwi, the Bono and Ahafo Regional Manager of the PURC, later accompanied Dr. Suleman and his team to inspect the PURC's pro-poor water project in Kato, East Berekum Municipality.
