27th January, 2016

Both the Daily Graphic and Ghanaian Times write on the increase in the price of sachet water which takes effect from 1st February. The Graphic says sachet and bottled water have become an integral part of society and the preferred choice for many households. It is for this reason that the paper calls on the PURC and the utility companies to pay particular attention to the survival of sachet and bottled water companies. The Graphic says failure to heed to the call for a reduction in tariffs by the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers will only result in most of them going out of business. The Paper calls for support for the producers to keep them in business and enable them to produce wholesome water for the public. 

The Ghanaian Times is surprised at revelations by the water producers that the tariff increases announced by the PURC is much higher than what was gazetted.  According to the Times, the price increase in sachet and bottled water at this time is only going to compound the problems of the ordinary man. Adding that consumers are reeling under new taxes imposed at the beginning of the year and its accompanying price adjustments. The paper therefore urges government to step in to resolve the issues raised by the water producers to avert astronomical price increases. 

The Today Newspaper expresses concern about the increase in utility prices saying it expects the utility companies to act on the directives by the PURC. The Paper says the PURC has given the two utility companies up to the 5th of next month to ensure that all anomalies associated with billing are addressed. It says this is not the first time Ghanaians are complaining bitterly about services rendered by ECG and the Ghana Water Company. The Paper describes the situation as serious especially with ECG, adding that failure to correct the anomalies will result in court action.

GBC