The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) will compel road contractors to use detailed maps of utility lines to prevent infrastructure damage. This directive aims to protect critical water and electricity infrastructure during ongoing road construction projects. Contractors who damage utility lines despite having access to these maps will be responsible for repair costs.
This action follows increasing concerns over major pipelines and other facilities being damaged. The government's intensified road construction under the 'Big Push' programme has led to more frequent incidents. These damages disrupt essential services, affecting numerous households and businesses across the country.
This move fits into Ghana's broader economic story of infrastructure development and service delivery challenges. The nation is investing heavily in roads, but this progress must not undermine existing vital services. Protecting infrastructure ensures that economic growth benefits citizens without creating new problems. Previous issues with utility disruptions have highlighted the need for better coordination between sectors.
Dr. Shafic Suleman, PURC Executive Secretary, confirmed the new requirements. He stated, “We’ll require the utility service providers to make available to the contractors all the maps that indicate all major pipelines, including transmission and distribution lines, to the contractors, so that they will use it as a guide in their construction activities.” This ensures contractors have the necessary information to avoid accidents.
The PURC will also provide a platform for affected utility companies to restore services quickly. Dr. Suleman added that the responsible contractor would then pay for the repairs. This mechanism aims to streamline the repair process and assign financial accountability. Consumers experiencing disruptions due to construction activities are encouraged to report incidents to the Commission.
The PURC has already received and resolved several complaints regarding service disruptions. The Commission has communicated with the Ministry of Roads and Highways about protecting utility installations. This ongoing dialogue underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation for national development projects.
In a related development, a PURC delegation visited the Daboase Water Treatment Plant. A €70-million expansion project there is nearing completion. This new facility will significantly increase water production for the Sekondi-Takoradi area and surrounding communities. Its design capacity is 100,000 cubic metres of water per day, equivalent to about 22 million gallons daily.
Dr. Suleman noted that the Daboase plant's completion could greatly improve water supply in the twin cities. However, challenges with transmission pipelines persist. Ghana Water has assured that the pipeline linking Daboase to the cities will also be expanded. This expansion forms part of the project's second phase, which includes an additional treatment plant.
Despite these advancements, Dr. Suleman warned that improved treatment capacity alone will not solve regional water challenges. Illegal mining, known as 'galamsey', continues to pollute raw water sources. These activities increase the cost of treating water and threaten sustainable supply. PURC has previously identified siltation from construction and galamsey as major issues affecting water supply in the Western Region.
For consumers, the Commission will continue addressing complaints about poor service quality. It will ensure utility providers and contractors take steps to restore affected services promptly. This commitment reinforces PURC's role in safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring reliable utility provision.