Poor Pay More For Water

Studies have shown that poor people in Ghana pay more for water than the rich do. This is because the poor do not have direct access to pipe borne water. The poor only get their supply through secondary suppliers like tankers and neighbourhood sellers at exorbitant prices. The study, which was commissioned by the Public Utilities and Regulations Commission, also found out that Ghanaians care little about the cost of water.

The research shows that 60% of respondents do not have access to pipe born water. While those with access to pipe borne water pay only 18 cedis per bucket for the first two thousand gallons, others are buying a bucketful of water for 500 cedis, five or six times that of people who are connected to the Ghana Water Company’s water supply system.

The studies also revealed that the Ghana Water Company Limited has an image of inefficiency. because the lucky customers are the ones who complain more. The quality of water is not quite right as respondents associated discolaration of water as an indicator of its unwholesome nature. Repair works and leakages on major pipelines have also contributed to consumer dissatisfaction. The billing system was also found to be an area that GWCL needs to improve tremendously to avoid complaints.

The research concluded that 87% of the Ghanaian populace wants to have direct access to pipe water either in their houses or in their yards. There is also an overwhelming desire to receive an uninterrupted supply of water. While people want water in their homes, a preconceived notion that connection fees are high is holding them back even though they end up paying more.

The Minister for Works and Housing, Yaw Barimah says the findings of the research will inform government policy on water and the proposed of private participation in the sector.