The Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Madam Cecelia Abena Dapaah, Tuesday, advised the public to use water modestly and wisely in this COVID-19 era.
She asked the public to refrain from using water for watering the garden, washing cars and other non essential activities, saying these could lead to an acute water shortage.
“People should stop watering their gardens and as we enter the rainy season soon, the rains will take care of that, and let’s stop using treated water for washing our cars,” she said, at a media briefing to provide clarification on Government’s incentives on water supply during the COVID-19 era.
“You can use just a bucket of water for that purpose, otherwise we might have to ban people from washing their cars. Let’s all be modest,” the Minister stated.
The Minister condemned a viral video circulating on the social media platforms, which shows a young man sitting in a bowl under running tap water, thereby wilfully wasting treated water.
“That young man is not setting a good precedent,” she noted.
President Akufo-Addo, in his fifth national broadcast on Sunday night, April 5, announced Government’s decision to absorb the water bills of all Ghanaians for April, May, and June to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19.
The President also directed the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to ensure a stable supply of water and electricity throughout the country.
He entreated landlords who sold water to their tenants to be humanitarian at this critical era and offer them free since the government would foot the cost of the bill during the three months period.
Madam Dapaah lauded President Akufo-Addo for the gesture, saying it must not be abused.
Meanwhile, the GWCL has said all customers in default of the payment of their water bills would not enjoy the government’s free water supply.
Dr Clifford Chief Braimah, the Executive Officer of the company, on Monday, April 5, told the media that all customers whose pipelines had been disconnected for non-payment of bills would not be reconnected.
He said those who owed the company must pay their debts in order to be guaranteed the free water supply.
However, the Minister said the payment of arrears could be suspended for the free service to be delivered.
However, those disconnected for illegality would have to resort to the free water to be supplied by tankers.
