The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has expressed concerns over reduced water production for Cape Coast and surrounding communities. The Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant is currently operating below its estimated capacity of 30,000 cubic meters, producing less than 18,000 cubic meters of water. This reduced output is partly due to the operation of only one of the plant's three pumps.
The Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr. Shafic Suleman, attributed the reduced output to the plant's operational challenges. He noted that the situation could affect water supply, particularly as Ghana approaches the dry season when water levels may decline. Dr. Suleman emphasized that the Commission is concerned about the possible impact of reduced water flow during the dry season.
PURC plans to engage the Ghana Water Company Limited to intensify dredging at the Sekyere Hemang intake point to improve water production and minimize the impact of the dry season. Dr. Suleman expressed hope that these interventions would help sustain water supply to consumers in Cape Coast and surrounding communities. He assured consumers that PURC would continue to monitor the situation.
The PURC's Central Regional office has received over 1,200 complaints from consumers since the beginning of the year, with about 90% of the cases already resolved. Dr. Suleman disclosed this during a media engagement, highlighting the Commission's efforts to address consumer concerns and improve the quality of utility services across the region.
PURC has also intervened in transformer-related challenges affecting 11 communities in the region. The Commission facilitated the resolution of a pipeline problem around Ekon in Cape Coast, where construction had disrupted water supply to some communities for almost four months. The pipeline has been replaced, and water supply has been restored.
The working visit also highlighted concerns over damage to water pipelines along major road construction corridors in the region. According to Dr. Suleman, the damage has affected water supply to several communities, particularly along the Kasoa-Cape Coast corridor. PURC and Ghana Water Company Limited have identified the affected areas and are engaging contractors to restore the damaged pipelines.
Dr. Suleman instructed the regional manager of PURC and Ghana Water to effectively engage contractors and parties involved in the damage to ensure immediate solutions to the disconnected pipelines. He assured consumers that PURC would continue to monitor the situation and ensure that damaged pipelines are repaired to protect the quality and reliability of water supply in the region.
Key points
- The Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant is operating below its estimated capacity of 30,000 cubic meters.
- PURC has received over 1,200 complaints from consumers since the beginning of the year.
- The Commission plans to establish a toll-free contact center and a community service center to improve access to its services.
