Ghana Water Company Limited has issued a stark warning that more water treatment plants could be forced to shut down if the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) does not approve a proposed increase in water tariffs.
The company said that escalating operational costs, driven by the surge in chemical use, the need for more frequent equipment maintenance, and rising electricity bills, have left GWCL struggling to maintain a stable water supply.
Without additional funding, it may become impossible to pay for essential chemicals and repair equipment in a timely manner.
“If PURC fails to approve the tariff increase, it’s going to lead to the shutdown of more water plants in the country,” Manager of Corporate Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Michael Tawiah Klutse spoke to ABC News GH.
“We can’t pay for the materials needed to provide water, and when our equipment breaks down, we can’t pay for repairs.”
The warning comes amid reports of rising contamination in rivers caused by galamsey activities, which are forcing plants to process sandy water that accelerates wear and tear on machinery.
Plants in the Western Region, such as Olsa, are already operating at a higher cost and reduced efficiency due to the increased chemical and energy requirements.
Water experts have emphasized the importance of balancing consumer affordability with sustainable water supply management. They argue that the tariff adjustment, if approved, could prevent a broader crisis, ensuring that Ghanaians continue to receive clean and reliable water while safeguarding the operational capacity of treatment facilities.
