PURC inaugurates pro-poor water project in Accra

Accra, July 24, GNA - The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) on Friday inaugurated seven stand pipes under a pro-poor water project at Glefe in the Greater Accra Region.

The pilot project is a collaborative effort between PURC, Ghana Water Company, Aqua Vitens Rand and Water Aid, an international NGO to ensure the provision and supply of potable water to poor and low income households in some of deprived communities at Glefe, Nima, and Teshie all in Accra Metropolis.

It also forms part of the current Urban Water Project of the World Bank and its success would ensure replication in other deprived communities.

Mr Minta A. Aboagye, Director of Water, Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing cautioned the residents against illegal connections and asked them to report people, who indulged in such activities for the sustainability of the project

Nii Okai Kotei, Director of PURC said the project would be owned by the community and a Water Board made up of the elders and opinion leaders had been set up to supervise sustainability of the project.

Naa Tettehhoko, Queenmother of Glefe said it was a privilege for the community to have access to potable water, which had been a major problem.

She cautioned the people against illegal connection and warned that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted.

Mr Joseph Kwasi Segbefia, Chairman of the Water Board commended managements of the three institutions for their efforts towards provision of potable water to the people and urged the people not to steal the meters and illegal connection.

Chief Operations Officer of AVR, Mr Senyo Amergor called for constant maintenance on the system and asked the people to report faults and pay their bills to the agents of PURC in the community.

Mr Gabriel Adu-Wusu, Programme Manager of Water Aid said their mission was for the provision of potable water and establishment of the Water Board to inspect facilities and ensure sustainability of the project.

Mr Ventura Bengoechea, Lead Water and Sanitation Specialist at World Bank called on the beneficiaries to be vigilant and guard against illegal connection which would affect their access to potable water.