<<Print>>

The Ashanti South Region of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has surcharged a resident of Gyinase in the Kumasi metropolis, Mr Solomon Baah, GH¢4,140 for illegally connecting water to put up a structure.

The amount included water used for the past two years, which amounted to GH¢3,840, and a fine of GH¢300.

Although Mr Baah claimed that he had illegally used water for about a year, GWCL said the structure could not have been less than a year old and, therefore, used 24 months to calculate the outstanding amount.

By the company’s customer charter, it could either surcharge people found to have illegally connected water or prosecute them.

Fine
Baah was said to have tapped water from a service line for the construction of his two-storey building.

The loss control team of GWCL, acting on a tip-off, discovered the illegal connection.

Baah, who claimed to be the caretaker of the building, however, admitted the offence and pleaded with the officials of the company for mercy.

He alleged that it was the mason building the house who did the illegal connection without informing him about it.

The Ashanti South Chief Regional Manager of GWCL, Mr Daniel Muomaalah, warned the public against illegal water connection.

Appeal
Mr Muomaalah said the population had outgrown “all our water supply systems in the various places”.

He said while the company was doing its best to ensure that more people got access to potable water, some unpatriotic people “who think they are smart will rather steal it”.

Mr Muomaalah pointed out that the offence of illegal water connection aside, it was also an offence for anybody to touch any GWCL installation.

He impressed on the public to report anyone suspected to have illegally connected water for a handsome reward.

He said the company was striving to improve on water supply and stressed that this could be done when people paid their bills.