By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Bolgatanga, July 21, GNA – The water situation in the Bongo District remains a top priority for the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Dr Shafic Suleman, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, has said.
Speaking as part of the working visit to the Upper East Region, the Executive Secretary said the Commission was concerned that despite surplus treated water, the Ghana Water Limited (GWL) was unable to serve areas such as Bongo due to administrative issues.
“We are only utilising about 43 per cent of Upper East Region’s water supply capacity, meanwhile, communities like Bongo continue to struggle for clean water. We’ll work with stakeholders to ensure pipeline extensions reach Bongo and other under-served communities,” Dr. Suleman stressed.
Dr Suleman gave the assurance that the PURC would facilitate engagements at the national level to ensure the swift integration of these communities into GWL’s operational network.
The visit of the Executive Secretary to the region formed part of a nationwide regulatory tour aimed at strengthening coordination with service providers and addressing consumer concerns through direct engagement.
During his tour, Dr Suleman met with the Upper East Regional Minister, officials of GWL, and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), where he reiterated the Commission’s resolve to ensure fair and uninterrupted utility services at all levels.
During the interaction, Ms Yaa Frempomaa Osei Mensah, the Upper East Regional Chief Manager, GWL, said the company had the technical capacity to supply treated water to Bongo and other towns like Paga but was waiting for clearance from its head office to take over operations from the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA).
“Bongo opinion leaders have already submitted formal requests. Once the necessary approvals are given, we’re ready to connect and serve them without straining our current systems,” she stated.
At the NEDCo, Eric Boahen, NEDCo’s Upper East Regional Area Manager, disclosed that the Bawku conflict was significantly affecting its operations, stressing that commercial losses in Bawku had reached nearly 50 per cent, largely due to power theft and the inability of staff to safely monitor and maintain infrastructure.
“Our field personnel had to be relocated to Bolgatanga for their safety. We continue to supply electricity, but without access to meters, we cannot address illegal connections or technical faults,” he said.
The situation, he noted, is compounded by rising incidents of meter bypassing in peaceful farming areas like Navrongo and Walewale, especially during the dry season and attributed part of the challenge to a perception that offenders were protected by political interests.
Mr Boahen appealed for stronger collaboration between government, traditional leaders, and law enforcement to curb illegal practices that threaten the sustainability of power supply.
On the part of the Regional Minister, he lamented the lack of functional streetlight across the region, adding the situation posed threats to lives and property especially at night.
Responding to some of the concerns, Dr Suleman revealed that over 23,000 solar-powered three-in-one streetlights will soon be distributed nationwide by the Energy Ministry, with Upper East set to benefit.
“Public lighting enhances security and supports the 24-hour economy. We will remind the Ministry to prioritise regions like Upper East, where lighting contributes directly to safety and productivity,” he noted.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Christian Akorlie