The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Accra East Region, has initiated a revenue mobilization drive to recover nearly GHS 270 million in outstanding arrears from customers.
Dubbed “Operation Recover All Arrears,” the initiative targets 168,398 customers who have failed to settle their water bills.
In an exclusive interview with Business24/Investment Times, Nana Yaw Barima Barnie, Regional Communications Manager, expressed concern over low compliance rates, revealing that only 30% of customers make payments when billed—and even then, many do not pay in full.
“It is quite worrying that the majority of customers fail to settle their bills when we send them monthly invoices,” he lamented.
Mr. Barnie emphasized the necessity of timely payments, as revenue collected is used to purchase water treatment chemicals, pay electricity bills, salaries, procure operational tools, and acquire new vehicles to sustain the company’s operations.
Revenue collected from Monday, Feb 17, 2025, to Tuesday, February 25, 2025 (which is seven working days) is GHC 1,556,380.02, he noted.
Financial Sustainability & Crackdown on Illegal Connections
Since GWCL no longer receives government subvention, the company relies solely on revenue from water bills to fund its day-to-day operations. Mr. Barnie warned that non-payment of bills severely hampers service delivery.
Beyond revenue collection, GWCL Accra East is also intensifying efforts to detect and eliminate illegal water connections.
“There are individuals engaging in various illegal activities, and through this exercise, we are uncovering these unauthorized connections,” he stated.
Digital Transformation & Customer Incentives
As part of its modernization agenda, GWCL Accra East plans to go paperless within the next few months, starting with the Agbogba District.
Additionally, customers who report illegal water connections will be rewarded for their assistance in safeguarding the company’s resources.
Accra East: Ghana’s Largest Water Distribution Region
GWCL’s Accra East Region supplies 234,645.96 cubic meters of water daily across 11 districts, including Accra Central, Accra North, Accra East, North East, Dodowa, Accra South, Dome, Adenta South East, Kwabenya, and Agbogba.
Notable areas under its jurisdiction include Adabraka, Asylum Down, Osu, Ringway Estate, Teshie, Nungua, Madina, and Dodowa.As the largest GWCL region in the country, Accra East remains committed to ensuring efficient service delivery and financial sustainability.
By Eugene Davis
