Accra: The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has brought together small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and utility service providers in the Upper West Region to address service-related concerns and improve communication. This initiative is part of the Commission's 'Time with SMEs' programme, aimed at fostering better interaction and resolving issues between service providers and SMEs.
According to Ghana News Agency, the gathering included SMEs such as sachet and bottled water producers and hoteliers, along with Ghana Water Limited (GWL) and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo). The primary objective was to create a platform for these stakeholders to engage directly, facilitating the resolution of differences regarding service provision and usage.
Throughout the engagement, representatives from PURC, GWL, and NEDCo educated participants on their operations and addressed concerns raised by the SMEs. Additionally, the meeting highlighted energy-efficiency measures, promoting the use of energy-efficient appliances to help SMEs reduce electricity consumption and increase profitability. Participants were also introduced to PURC's Tariff Reckoner, a tool designed to help estimate electricity consumption and calculate expected utility bills.
During the event in Wa, Mr. Abdul-Wadud Ali, Upper West Regional Manager of PURC, emphasized the significance of SMEs as key stakeholders due to their reliance on utility services. He noted the initiative's goal to establish an ongoing platform for all parties to address issues collaboratively. Mr. Ali reiterated PURC's role as an arbitrator between consumers and utility providers but advised consumers to initially report complaints to their respective service providers.
Mr. Francis Yormesor, Wa Area Manager of NEDCo, explained that power outages in the area resulted from technical issues along the supply chain. He highlighted NEDCo's smart system, which detects abnormalities and disconnects power from affected lines to ensure safety. He also urged the public to avoid illegal connections, warning of surcharges for offenders.
In a presentation, Mr. Petio Felix Amonteba, Upper West Regional GIS Manager of GWL, shared that the Company currently serves about 15,206 active customers. He mentioned that only 40% of the water treatment plant's capacity is utilized due to low demand, encouraging more connections to the GWL network. Mr. Amonteba assured consumers of the continuous monitoring of water quality, both at the treatment plant and through random sampling.