Kasoa MCE orders closure of illegal water business, calls for probe
The Municipal Chief Executive for Awutu Senya East, Seth Sabah Serwonoo-Banini, has initiated an investigation into an illicit water enterprise operated by a private individual in Opeikuma, Kasoa.
Although residents of Opeikuma and neighbouring communities, including Kae Me Bre, Ash Town, Krispo City, UN City, and others, have not received water from their taps for several months, water tankers have been observed frequently visiting the private facility to extract water, raising suspicions regarding its operations.
In response to complaints, the MCE conducted an unannounced inspection of the facility, which unveiled significant irregularities.
During the MCE’s visit, it was discovered that the individual had illegally tapped into a Ghana Water distribution line and was storing substantial amounts of water in an underground tank.
Additionally, it was revealed that the individual lacked a metering system at the facility and had constructed a three-bedroom house atop the tank to conceal the operation.
Requesting anonymity, the operator confirmed that certain officials from Ghana Water Limited were aware of his activities.
When questioned about whether he pays bills, he stated, “I pay an estimated bill between GHS 2,500 and GHS 3,000,” yet he could not provide any documentation to substantiate his claim.
Notably, he sells water to tankers for between GHS 450 and GHS 600, indicating potential collusion with officials and significant revenue losses to the state.
“I have ordered the immediate closure of this facility and have also asked the district manager of the Ghana Water Limited to investigate and submit a report on this. We cannot allow this business to operate while several residents are without water in their homes. Water is a resource that must be distributed equitably,” he added in an interview monitored by The Ghana Report on Citi News.
Equally concerned, the Central Regional Minister, Eduamoah Okyere Ekow Panyin, admonished others who may be engaging in similar activities to refrain from doing so, emphasising that “we are battling a water crisis and can’t allow a few to exploit water resources at the expense of others. Any person caught in such an act will be severely dealt with”.