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01.10.2014 General News

We need to start a mass movement against PURC - Kweku Baako declares

By Myjoyonline.com|Faustine Akwa
We need to start a mass movement against PURC - Kweku Baako declares
01.10.2014 LISTEN

Editor in-chief of the New Crusading Guide Newspaper, Kweku Baako has called for a mass movement against the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC) for what he calls the lack of respect for its consumers.

He said the recent increase in water and electricity tariffs is totally uncalled for and that, no reason given by the PURC for the increase is acceptable.

Speaking Wednesday on Peace FMs 'Kokrokoo' programme, the veteran journalist said “we need to start a very powerful mass movement against the PURC to the point where we can object to paying tariff anytime it is increased”.

Mr Baako noted that for too long Ghanaians have developed a calm nature and have kept quiet on several issues but this he said must change.

The PURC yesterday reviewed utility tariffs upward for the fourth quarter of 2014. Electricity and water tariffs have gone up by 6.45 and 4.54 percent respectively.

It explained that the increase has been necessitated due to the challenges being faced with the erratic nature of gas from Nigeria.

It indicated that the tariff increase was meant to help upgrade the impact of the incumbent situation of the dependence on crude oil in the generation mix on the current electricity supply situation in the country.

In July this year, electricity tariff went up by 6.1 percent while water tariff was increased by 12 percent.

But Mr Baako said the reasons given by the PURC is given the same reasons consistently anytime it increased tariffs but no meaningful result has been achieved from the increment while consumers continue to suffer from erratic water and electricity supply.

He said no respect or sensitivity is being showed to the consumer who is made to pay outrageous tariffs yet has no value for and that consumers are being taken for granted and they must stand up for their rights as citizens.

“The PURC has given these reasons over and over again and nothing has happened, a civil action is a direct response to the disrespect being portrayed and every one must come on board for us to take this action”.

Mr Baako indicated that his call for a civil action is not for anyone take any illegal action against the government but rather authorities should ensure that the inefficiencies within PURC are fixed to save the consumer from being taken for granted.

This he said will prevent them from giving excuses when they fail to carry out the duties for which they have been established.

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