GWCL workers threaten strike, demand dissolution of GUWL

Workers of the Ghana Water Company Ltd (GWCL) have given government a two-week ultimatum to merge the operations of the Ghana Urban Water Ltd (GUWL) with the GWCL or they would lay down their tools.

They argue the existence of the two entities amounts to duplication of functions and a drain on the companies’ resources. The workers issued the ultimatum Monday, when they staged a demonstration at the premises of the GUWL.

Joy News’ reporter Francis Abban who visited the premises said the workers were in red armbands. They have also tied red cloth around various objects on the premises of the company.

GUWL currently takes charge of operations including revenue and salaries while GWCL manages assets of the sector which also include the staff.

But the workers say as a result of the division, they are unable to negotiate for better conditions of service.

Leader of the workers' union of the company, Francis Lamptey, told Joy News that government must deliver on its promise to merge the two companies.

He said the inability of government to ensure the two entities have the same board of directors and management team is affecting their work.

Deputy Works and Housing minister, Samson Ahi, who met the demonstrating workers, assured them government will act on the matter at the next cabinet meeting.