General

Ghana Water Company sets higher water tariffs

28 Oct, 2015

Ghana water to cost 124 per cent more.

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) is increasing water rates 124 per cent, saying that the extra funds are required to provide drinking water for a growing number of people.

The company announced the proposed hike, which would see the water tariff raised from GH¢1.78 to GH¢4 per 1,000 litres, during its 50th anniversary celebrations in Accra on 22 October.

The GWCL said that in the past it could rely on government loans for its water expansion schemes but now must cover its own costs. Under Ghana's new debt management policy, public companies now have to repay state loans under stricter terms.

Justifiying the increase, the company said it was also necessary to achieve the government’s vision of 100 per cent water coverage in Ghana by 2025.

The GWCL recently introduced prepaid meters to avoid incurring losses from widespread non-payment of water bills and water wastage.