PURC Directs Ghana Water Ltd. to Provide Timeline for Resolving Krobo Water Crisis
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has instructed Ghana Water Limited (GWL) to present a clear timeframe for addressing the ongoing water crisis in the Krobo area, following a formal petition submitted by two youth groups, Kloma Gbi and Kloma Hengme.
In an official letter dated January 14, 2025, PURC Regional Manager, Kesewaa Apenteng-Addo, requested that GWL outline the steps taken so far and the measures it plans to implement to resolve the water shortage, which has left residents increasingly frustrated.
On-Site Assessment and Community Engagement
To further assess the situation, a PURC team will visit the affected communities for a stakeholder engagement meeting on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. The meeting, set to take place at the Atua Hospital Junction Durbar Ground, will bring together residents, local assembly members, opinion leaders, and representatives from the two petitioning groups. This session aims to gather additional information and prevent potential unrest due to prolonged water shortages.
Background of the Water Crisis
The petition, submitted on January 14, 2025, by Kloma Gbi and Kloma Hengme, urged PURC to compel GWL to restore potable water supply to various communities, including Sawer (Yilo Krobo Municipality), and Atua, Kodjonya, and Odumase South (Lower Manya Krobo Municipality) in the Eastern Region.
These communities have endured a six-month-long water shortage due to damage to underground water pipelines caused by road construction on the Somanya-Odumase-Kpong Road. The affected residents have criticized GWL and General Construction and Development Limited, the firm responsible for the road project, accusing them of neglecting the situation.
Reactions from Local Leaders
Expressing appreciation for PURC’s swift response, Henking A. Adjase-Kodjo, Director of Communications for Kloma Gbi, praised the Regional Manager, Kesewa Apenteng-Addo, and her team for taking decisive steps to address the crisis. He expressed optimism that further interventions would lead to a swift resolution.
Similarly, Dr. Eric Tamatey Lawer, General Secretary of Kloma Hengme, commended PURC but urged the commission to look beyond the current disruption and address the persistent water supply challenges in the Krobo area. “We are advocating for equity in water distribution to the Krobo communities and other towns,” he emphasized.
About Kloma Gbi
Kloma Gbi is a youth-driven organization dedicated to amplifying the voice of the Krobo state on matters of education, development, and general welfare. Established as a social network community in 2010, it has grown into a well-organized group of young professionals advocating for progress. Kloma Gbi collaborates closely with local and traditional authorities, public institutions, and private sector organizations to drive sustainable development in the Krobo area.
About Kloma Hengme
Kloma Hengme (KH) is a heritage and advocacy group uniting Krobo descendants from Manya and Yilo Krobo. Founded in 2011, it focuses on preserving Krobo culture, promoting social justice, and advancing development. The group, whose name means “The Eagle Eye of the Krobo State,” operates as a non-partisan organization working with traditional leaders, public agencies, and private entities to protect the interests of Krobo communities.
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