Govt defers privatization of water

THE government has deferred the implementation of the policy on private sector participation (PSP) in water delivery from next month to a date to be announced later.

This is because of some international bureaucratic procedures involving the preparation of bidding and transaction documents, a thorough study of proposals put forward by the government, and the companies short-listed to implement the programme.

An official of the Water Sector Restructuring Secretariat, Captain Victor Ansah who disclosed this in an interview in Accra, however, gave the assurance that “it will definitely take off this year”.

He said the government is also carefully studying the background of the companies in terms of their performance and track record in other countries among others. The companies that have submitted bids for the programme are Biwater/Aqua Mundo, Undeo, Sauz and General Sauz.

Captain Ansah said although the bureaucracies have resulted in delay, they are inevitable since they will ensure transparency in the selection process.

He said considering the sensitive nature of the sector, government does not intend to do anything that will defeat the objectives of the programme, which are, among others, to provide potable water to the people.

Asked why the government is not fast-tracking the programme to enable it to take off as soon as possible, Captain Ansah said, “There is no need for the government to rush the process only to regret in the long run”. He said what is being done is in the supreme interest of the country.

Captain Ansah said it is unfortunate that certain areas, even within the city of Accra, such as East Legon, Adenta and Teshie, have no water.

He said the government is aware that some people have taken advantage of the situation to exploit consumers by selling water at exorbitant prices to people in the deprived areas.

Captain Ansah said the secretariat will intensify the education programmes to sensitise the people about the need for the programme.

He said the government has also taken note of all the concerns raised by the public and civil society groups and expressed the hope that the final decision will be accepted by all to ensure the smooth implementation of the programme.