Government's position on PSP to be out soon - Idris

Kumasi, July 13, GNA - The government will soon make a definitive pronouncement to show the way forward on the Private Sector Participation (PSP) in the water delivery system, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, Minister of Works and Housing, has declared.

He noted that it had taken far too long for the government to take a decision on the PSP and this was affecting the inflow of the needed capital investment to rehabilitate and revitalise the water systems.

Alhaji Idris was addressing the management and staff of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) in the Ashanti Region in Kumasi. He pointed out that there were a number of investors who were ready to put their money into the sector to enhance efficiency in its performance but were holding back their investment because the way had not yet been cleared.

The Minister said his Ministry would therefore be winding up the on-going consultations with civil society organisations and other stakeholders on the PSP this week.

He said so far the interactions had been "very positive" even from the vocal critics of the private participation in water delivery. Alhaji Idris played down fears that the PSP would make the price of water unaffordable to the poor, saying that, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) would be strengthened to serve as a buffer between the providers and consumers.

He drew the attention of employees of the GWCL to the need for them to help change the image of the company through the adoption of new work ethics.

"You should ensure that you establish good human relations, cultivate the habit of spending a little more time to explain the difficult circumstances under which you operate to your customers." Alhaji Idris told them to respond promptly to public complaints and deliver water bills on time.

Mr S.G.O. Lamptey, Acting Managing Director of the Company, called on the workers to resolve to work harder and show more dedication to help turn the GWCL around.

They should also co-operate and support the sector Minister to make the right policy decisions.