Tariffs adjustment would be considered next year - PURC Manager

Daboase (W/R) March 23, GNA- Mr. Daniel Densu Afropong, Western and Central Regional Manager of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), on Monday hinted that the next round of discussion for tariff adjustment would take place in 2005.

He disclosed in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) when a group of Journalists in Sekondi-Takoradi visited the Daboase Head Works of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) as part of this year's World Water Day.

Mr. Afropong said: " no major tariff adjustment is expected this year" but an automatic adjustment mechanism would be applied when certain economic indices like inflation, world oil price and the exchange rate of the cedi to the dollar come into play.

He said these economic indices would determine whether there has to be an upward or downward adjustment of the tariffs.

Mr. Afropong said one problem that has been identified is the relationship between the utilities companies and the public, particularly consumers, which is not satisfactory and this is one reason why consumers fail to pay their bills.

He said the utilities companies must listen to the grievances of consumers about poor services and take steps to rectify complaints as a way of improving relationship with the public.

Mr. Afropong said frontline staff of the companies should change their attitude to work and be friendlier to consumers by making them feel welcomed and being respectful and courteous.

He said consumers should also make a point to settle their bills to enable the companies to deliver.