One organization that has lived up to the task is the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC). It has so far been able to consistently determine whether it is right or wrong depending on the period and economic situation for utilities providers to increase their tariffs or not. In the first two quarters of 2011, it refused to permit any increase in the tariffs of electricity and water citing lack of quality service.
Thankfully, the PURC announced 7% and 6.72% increases in tariffs for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Ghana Water Company (GWC) respectively. The difference of 0.28% may appear little but speaks volumes. I asked if there was any justification for this tariff increase at all. The answer I gave to myself was yes but a NO also came later.
A presenter on Beposo FM said "for once, the ECG deserves a commendation for their consistency in power supply. It is early days yet but we need to praise good work" In my office at North Legon last week, a partner also commended the ECG for good work but right in the middle of the conversation, the lights went off and he said, "These NDC people hate praise. They are just worrying Agya Atta" lol! The YES at first but again that NO followed. With ECG, the yes is obvious. Testify!
Their ascertions made me alert to observe what is happening. It is true; ECG deserves the 7% increment. Power is more relable now than it used to be. Lights do NOT go off as often as they used to and where they go off, they do NOT stay off as long as they used to. Kudos ECG.
In the years past, water supply to my compound house in one of the towns on the Akuapem ridge was consistent though once a week (every Thursday). Now, the inconsistency is so consistent it is better to feel water will not flow when you expect or flow when you don't expect. Water supply is worse now than it used to be. Where my family lives, water is a scarce commodity. All the necessary infrastructure have been put in place but water simply does not flow. The reservoire here can supply the whole of Tapa (Abotoase, Amanya, Amanfrom and all satelite towns). Tapa is in the Biakoye District of the Volta Region of Ghana. Water is not supplied into this giant storage tank.
As if by design, the announcement of the tariff increase coincided with an accute water shortage in Sekondi. Hmmmmmmmmmm, only God knows why. Judging from these happenings alone, I will be right to say that the 6.72% increase on water tariff is NOT worth it but I have travelled wide over the few years and have seen massive infrastructural development in the water sector. This upgrade when completed will improve water supply. Future increases should strictly be based on improved service NOT 'will improve' service.
All the same, the PURC is doing well, more grease to their elbows.
No comments:
Post a Comment