Prepaid Meters Collapsing Small Town Water Systems

The Association of Small Towns Water Supply Systems-Ghana have bemoaned that the use of prepaid Meters are collapsing their businesses.

Speaking in an interview with Suncity Radio’s Kofi Oppong Kyekyeku at a meeting organized by the association in Sunyani, the Executive Secretary of Association Small Towns Water Supply Systems-Ghana, Mr. Issah Ahmed appealed to the government to go to their aid.

He stated that all small water systems in the country will collapse if care is not taken.

“Small town water supply systems are essential service to the rural-poor. And that the introduction of prepaid meters will collapsethe systems. We are not getting the revenue to pump water for consumers. The government did not agree to allow Ghana Water Company use prepaid meters so why Small town systems,” he queried.

He therefore appealed to the government for postpaid meters.

Mr. Issah Ahmed further stated that the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), is using illegal means to recruit people to replace system managers, accountants and revenue collectors.

“Some members of the Association of small towns water systems have been working for more than 15 to 18-years with communities. We heard recently that the Community Water and Sanitation Agency is recruiting people to replace system managers, accountants and revenue collectors. They have not interacted with the communities and have opened an online application for people to apply. At least they should have held meetings with us to find out any problems,” he posited.

The Association said they have started recruiting people from Upper West, Part of Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Region without their concern and have asked them to reapply.

He disclosed that the Community Water Sanitation Agency (CWSA) does not have the capacity, the know-how, the needed skills needed and management competencies or foresight to manage the most challenging water system known by the Association.

Mr. Issah Ahmed said management team members have agreed to petition the government to register their displeasure.

The association contended that what community water is doing is illegal. The meeting was attended by 35 system managers and 29 board members.