Covid-19: Government’s Free Water Ends Today

The payment of water bills for all Ghanaians by government, as part of the COVID-19 interventions ends today, Tuesday, June 30, 2020.

As part of measures to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on April 5, 2020, announced that the government would absorb the water bills for all Ghanaians for the months of April, May and June.

This temporary intervention – despite fear of being abused by some – was welcomed by many stakeholders.

However, as indicated by President, in the absence of any extension whatsoever, the covid-19 induced “free water” for Ghanaians ends today.

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A press statement dated June 29, 2020, signed and issued by the Communications Manager of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Mr Stanley Martey had reminded Ghanaians of the end of this "free water" intervention on June 30.

Therefore, it said water vendors could resume their normal business after the last meter readings in June.

It added that disconnected customers who were reconnected to enable them enjoy the free water during the period, must as a matter of urgency pay their arrears to remain connected.

“Customers of GWCL must please note, that from hence, the payment of water bills will be the responsibility of the customer,” the statement added.

Read full statement from GWCL Below

The month of June marks the end of the Governments directive to the Ghana Water Company Limited to serve Ghanaians with water for free as part of measures to curb the rapid spread of the covid- 19 pandemic.

Customers of GWCL must please note, that from hence, the payment of water bills will be the responsibility of the customer.

The Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, and the Management of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) therefore wish to inform consumers and the general public that the last day of June 2020, officially ends the free water delivery.

GWCL assures customers that, meter readers, and all frontline staff, will continue to adhere and practice in full, all the protocols to protect themselves and our cherished customers, including cladding themselves in full GWCL apparel, identity cards, personal sanitizers and face masks, before accessing their premises to read the meters.

Details;

1 Landlords and landladies can revert to the arrangements with tenants prior to the free water delivery.

2. Water Vendors can/must resume their normal business after the last meter readings in June 2020.

3. Disconnected Customers who were reconnected to enable them enjoy the free water during the period, must as a matter of urgency pay their arrears to remain connected.

4. Disconnected customers will remain disconnected until their arrears are settled in full before their supply will be reinstated.

5. All GWCL collection/pay points are opened during normal working hours and Customers can also pay their bills via mobile money channels with all the telecommunications networks.

The Management of GWCL wishes to express its appreciation to all agencies who supported the free water delivery. Special appreciation to Government for the kind gesture towards Ghanaians.