The Bono Regional Office of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has assured residents of the Sunyani Municipality that decisive steps are underway to resolve the persistent water shortage that has left taps dry for weeks.
The situation has triggered growing concern among residents, many of whom have called on the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) to provide clear explanations for the prolonged disruption in supply.
Positioning itself as the bridge between consumers and service providers, PURC says it has stepped up oversight and direct engagement with GWCL to address the crisis and restore reliable water delivery.
The Bono Regional Manager of PURC, Patrick Antwi in an interview with the GBC, disclosed that the Commission has, over the past month, received numerous complaints from consumers reporting little to no water flow.
This, he noted, prompted an independent investigation by the Commission.
“We have received several complaints over the past few weeks and months regarding the lack of water supply. As a result, we took it upon ourselves to investigate the matter independently, including a visit to the Abesim Water Treatment Plant, which serves the Sunyani Municipality,” Mr. Antwi stated.
According to him, the Commission’s inspection revealed a significant rise in turbidity levels an indication of increased sediment in the water at the treatment plant, which has severely hampered operations.
“At the facility, we observed that turbidity levels had risen considerably, making it difficult for some of the pumps to effectively treat water from the Tano River. In certain instances, operations had to be suspended,” he explained.
Following the findings, PURC summoned the management of GWCL for urgent deliberations. During the engagement, GWCL confirmed that the elevated turbidity levels had disrupted treatment processes and, at times, forced the shutdown of pumps.
Mr. Antwi noted that while GWCL has not conclusively identified a single cause, several contributing factors have been highlighted. These include sand winning activities along riverbanks, illegal mining operations upstream, and the effects of heavy rainfall, all of which can increase sediment levels in the Tano River.
“Factors such as sand winning near the river, illegal mining upstream, and heavy rains can all contribute to rising turbidity. These possibilities are being examined, but further investigations are needed to establish the exact cause,” he said.
To ensure a comprehensive and sustainable resolution, Mr. Antwi said, the PURC is initiating a tripartite engagement involving GWCL and the Water Resources Commission, the body responsible for overseeing the nation’s water bodies.
The collaboration is expected to provide deeper insight into conditions affecting the Tano River and help develop long-term solutions.
In addition, a technical team from PURC’s Water Directorate in Accra is expected to visit the region to conduct independent assessments, including water sampling and laboratory testing, to determine the quality and safety of the current water supply.
Mr. Antwi assured residents that the Commission is closely monitoring developments and maintaining daily engagement with GWCL to expedite the resolution process.
“We want to assure consumers that PURC is fully committed to addressing this issue. We are engaging GWCL consistently to ensure that water supply is restored and that residents receive the quality of service they deserve,” he affirmed.
As investigations continue, residents of Sunyani remain hopeful that the intensified regulatory intervention will bring swift and lasting relief to a municipality increasingly burdened by the absence of a vital resource.
