Ghana Water faces possible sanctions as PURC probes service disruptions in Ashanti Region

The Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC) has indicated that it will review potential sanctions against Ghana Water Limited (GWL) following the water supply disruptions caused by the recent strike in the Ashanti Region.

The Commission however clarified that its legal directorate would explore the available options for penalties.

The three-day industrial action by the GWL Workers Union had a significant impact on water supply across the region. The union’s decision to shut down water treatment plants was prompted by safety concerns related to recent attacks on the residences of senior management.

In the meantime, the utility provider has been directed to submit a detailed report addressing the reasons for the disruptions and the measures it plans to implement to prevent future occurrences.

Touching on the development to the newsmen on on Tuesday (17 December) the Director of Research and Corporate Affairs at the PURC, Dr. Eric Obutey emphasized the importance of ensuring reliable water supply and maintaining public confidence in utility services.

“As of this morning water is flowing in and by the close of midday all places affected will be receive water. So, the Commission will be engaging the service provider. For such a thing you need to report relevant authorities to seek direction and clearance before you take such action. So, we will be engaging the service provider to make sure that it doesn’t repeat itself.

“The Commission was not briefed on the development…We do have a legal directorate and so the legal directorate will then have to go back to all the sanctions that are available and whether it is supposed to be a verbal sanction or a penalty that we have to be imposed, or the Commissioners will have to put out a final decision but [for now] unless the legal directorate suggests the way forward”, Dr Obutey stated.