Illegal water connections hampering GWCL

Accra, March 10, GNA - While the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) was struggling to meet consumer needs, the inactions of some residents within the Greater Accra Region is hampering the process. A visit by the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing, GWCL and Aqua Vitens Rand Limited, stakeholders in the industry to Nima, Maamobi, Kotobabi, Newtown and its environs showed a gross disrespect for the laws of Ghana and a demonstration of high level of corruption that had engulfed the country.
At Nima, the team came across several illegal connections made by some individuals who were using it for commercial activities. The Manufacturer of Sultan Pure Water, according to the community watchdog at Nima was one person involved in the illegal act.
It also came out that, one Mr Azumah, a former employee of GWCL was a key figure in the illegal connection trade. He is said to be fixing pipes as big as two inches against the recommended ones thus increasing pressure on the water supply illegal owners.
The situation was not different from the rest of the areas visited as one person could have as much three pumps in his bedroom, kitchen, or any enclosed area with some decorative arts structures to deceive the public.
Mr Boniface Abubakar Saddique, Sector Minister who expressed shock and dismay at the level of corruption ordered that the owners report to his office immediately or faced prosecution.
He said lots of pumps and tubes had been seized and handed over to his Ministry by the community watchdog and commended members for their support in curbing such social injustice.
Mr Sullyman Yaa-Salaam, Member of the watchdog team said so far, about twenty pumps had been seized from such illegal water connectors and owners in the area.
Mr Kwaku Sakyi Addo, Liaison Manager, Aqua Vitens said a survey conducted by the company showed that out of 15,000 connections, there were only 20 minor leaks while 3,000 illegal connections were recorded and encouraged Ghanaians to serve as check on each other to ensure that the right thing was done.
Mr Stanley Attafi, Consultant, Aqua Vitens said the company was working with stakeholders in the community who would monitor and provide relevant information on such illegal activities.

Accra, March 10, GNA - While the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) was struggling to meet consumer needs, the inactions of some residents within the Greater Accra Region is hampering the process. A visit by the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing, GWCL and Aqua Vitens Rand Limited, stakeholders in the industry to Nima, Maamobi, Kotobabi, Newtown and its environs showed a gross disrespect for the laws of Ghana and a demonstration of high level of corruption that had engulfed the country.
At Nima, the team came across several illegal connections made by some individuals who were using it for commercial activities. The Manufacturer of Sultan Pure Water, according to the community watchdog at Nima was one person involved in the illegal act.
It also came out that, one Mr Azumah, a former employee of GWCL was a key figure in the illegal connection trade. He is said to be fixing pipes as big as two inches against the recommended ones thus increasing pressure on the water supply illegal owners.
The situation was not different from the rest of the areas visited as one person could have as much three pumps in his bedroom, kitchen, or any enclosed area with some decorative arts structures to deceive the public.
Mr Boniface Abubakar Saddique, Sector Minister who expressed shock and dismay at the level of corruption ordered that the owners report to his office immediately or faced prosecution.
He said lots of pumps and tubes had been seized and handed over to his Ministry by the community watchdog and commended members for their support in curbing such social injustice.
Mr Sullyman Yaa-Salaam, Member of the watchdog team said so far, about twenty pumps had been seized from such illegal water connectors and owners in the area.
Mr Kwaku Sakyi Addo, Liaison Manager, Aqua Vitens said a survey conducted by the company showed that out of 15,000 connections, there were only 20 minor leaks while 3,000 illegal connections were recorded and encouraged Ghanaians to serve as check on each other to ensure that the right thing was done.
Mr Stanley Attafi, Consultant, Aqua Vitens said the company was working with stakeholders in the community who would monitor and provide relevant information on such illegal activities.