Sunyani: The Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has announced a subsidy initiative aimed at providing water connections to 600 households across nine low-income communities in the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regions. Mr. Theophilus Collins, the Regional Chief Manager of the GWL, revealed that this initiative is part of the company's Low-Income Support Customer Department (LICSD) service, designed to offer relief to households in need.
According to Ghana News Agency, the targeted communities benefiting from this initiative include Techimantia, Tanoso, Acherensua, Susuanso, Aboabo, Warmanafo, Awaase, Nsoatre, and Kuntunso. The subsidies are being funded through GWL's Internally-Generated Funds and external support. However, Mr. Collins noted that providing potable water in these regions has become increasingly challenging due to environmental factors and the current economic conditions in the nation.
During a forum marking the 2025 Customer Service Week, themed 'Mission Possible: Together We Serve, Together We Thrive,' Mr. Collins highlighted several challenges confronting the water systems in these regions. These challenges include ageing infrastructure, demand surpassing supply, climate variability, land encroachment, issues with pipeline networks, meter theft, and non-payment of water bills. He emphasized the need for collaboration to overcome these obstacles and ensure a regular water supply to customers.
Mr. Collins also announced the abolition of paper billing in the second quarter of 2025, as GWL has fully implemented an electronic billing system to enhance customer satisfaction. Additionally, the company has upgraded its call center operations and extended pipeline networks to areas such as Techiman, Dormaa, Berekum, and parts of the Sunyani Municipality.
To further enhance operations, GWL has introduced drone technology for periodic monitoring of raw water sources. Mr. Collins underscored the importance of prompt bill payments by customers, stating that water bills are the company's sole revenue source for maintaining infrastructure and operations.
Dr. Abraham Yeboah, a Senior Lecturer at Sunyani Technical University, advised GWL to adopt effective communication strategies to improve engagement with customers. He stressed the importance of communication in addressing emergencies and encouraged GWL to involve customers in discussions about bill increments and the quality and consistency of water supply.