Stop Stealing Water And Connection Materials—GWCL MD Warns
Dr. Braimah noted that the illegal water connections from customers have been a persistent challenge, complaining that these connections lead to substantial water losses and also jeopardize the integrity of the company's distribution network.
Freeman Koryekpor 
THE MANAGING Director (MD) of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Ing. Dr. Clifford A. Braimah, has expressed concern about the alarming rate of water meter theft and illegal water connections in Ghana and, therefore, cautioned the public to desist from such acts.
Dr. Braimah noted that the illegal water connections from customers have been a persistent challenge, complaining that these connections lead to substantial water losses and also jeopardize the integrity of the company's distribution network.
According to him, they result in unauthorized access to "our water supply, affecting the financial sustainability of our operation."
He asserted that the non-payment of water bills from customers who consume our water has been an ongoing concern.
"This act hampers our revenue generation and affects our ability to maintain and expand our infrastructure and services effectively.
"Consumers must meet their payment obligations for the sustainability of our operations," he stressed.
Dr. Braimah expressed this sentiment when he was speaking to the media practitioners in Accra on Monday October 2023 in the programmed dubbed: " Accounting to Our Customers 2023."
To address the issue of non-payment, the MD pointed out that the company has significantly upgraded the company's billing and collection systems.
He indicated that the company is acutely aware of the importance of timely bill payment and are committed to making the process more convenient for our customers.
"Therefore, we have introduced flexible payment options that include our Customer App, Mobile Money services, and partnering with various banks for a hassle-free payment experience. These initiatives aim to facilitate compliance and ensure that our customers can easily meet their financial obligations," he noted.
He briefed the journalists on the Non-Revenue Water (NRW), saying that the issue of Non-Revenue Water continues to be a challenge.
He noted that the NRW rate was 46% for the first half of 2023, explaining that "this means that a significant portion of the water we produce does not reach our consumers due to various factors."
According to him, despite the magnitude of these challenges, the company do not waver in it's resolve to deliver clean and dependable water services to its communities.
Amidst these challenges, he pointed out that there are noteworthy interventions and achievements that underscore the company's dedication to improving the quality and efficiency of its services.
"We take pride in our water quality management and have achieved an impressive 99% compliance with the six key operational water quality parameters.
"These parameters include pH, color, alkalinity, turbidity, residual chlorine, and bacteriological analysis. Ensuring the highest quality water is of utmost importance to us, and we consistently meet these stringent standards," he stressed.
To meet the growing demand for water and align with the Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure water access for all by 2030, he mentioned that the GWCL has undertaken a series of infrastructure improvements.
This, according to the MD includes the replacement and installation of various types of pumps at most of our headworks to increase production and effectively meet our customers’ needs.
"In our commitment to providing access to clean water, we are expanding the capacity of several water treatment plants and constructing new ones as well," added.
He said these expansion works are essential to meet the continuous demand for water services in our communities, ensuring we reach even more people with safe and reliable water supply.
According to him, the efficient transmission of water is crucial for its operations, adding that the company has replaced 36 meters of transmission lines near the Kpong New works and an additional 12 meters close to Ensign College.
This upgrade, totaling 48 meters, he stressed has enhanced its water distribution network's efficiency and reliability.
"Our pursuit of excellence does not stop at water quality and infrastructure improvements. We have worked diligently to implement the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS). After successfully completing two external audits conducted by external auditors in October 2023, we have been recommended for ISO 9001:2015 Certification.
"We anticipate receiving this certification in December 2023. We have prioritized the repair and replacement of major electromechanical equipment, such as pumps and control panels, at various key locations within our network. This strategic upgrade has enhanced the performance of our water supply systems and ensures a more reliable supply of water to our valued customers," the GWCL MD noted.
He said the GWCL has installed Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVRs) at numerous water treatment plants and booster stations.
According to him, these AVRs play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of its water supply, even in areas with fluctuating electrical conditions.
To safeguard the quality and quantity of our water sources, he noted the company has undertaken extensive dredging activities at multiple water intakes across its operational areas.
By removing sediment and obstructions, he noted his outfit has ensured a more consistent flow of water, minimizing disruptions in the supply chain.
These accomplishments , he stressed represent his outfit relentless dedication to serving its communities with the best water services possible.
