The Executive Director of the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA), Mr. Kofi Kapito says Ghanaians who pay utility bills deserve value for their money.
Speaking to Citi News, Mr. Kapito explains the reason behind his demands.
“My only concern is not very much against the tariffs per se, but is the unfair treatment to consumers coming from this new increase. If you ask me to pay for something, the least I expect you to do is give me what is called, ‘value for my money’”
A 12.9 and 6.1 percent increase in electricity and water tariffs respectively took effect on July1, 2014.
Some consumer groups are demanding efficient services from utility providers.
According to the consumer groups, previous utility price increases have done little to stop the intense erratic power supply experienced nationwide.
According to the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) the depreciating Cedi, inflation, price of crude oil and natural gas among others have contributed to the upward adjustment
Mr. Kapito’s also commented on the reasons that the Regulatory Commission have given.
“Reason given by the PURC is because of the depreciation of the cedi to the dollar so meaning the cost of doing business from the utility is going up because they need to import some of the materials that they use to furnish utilities, which I think is fair. But what is not fair is for me not to get uninterrupted, constant supply of electricity and water.”
Mr. Kapito also added that “So if I have any issues about it as a consumer in Ghana, my worry is yours. If you ask me to pay, give me what I’m paying for. Do not come back and give me excuses about Gas from Nigeria is not forthcoming, because by the mere fact that you have increased it, I have somehow compensated for all those inconveniences.”
Meanwhile the PURC has postponed a 30% and 14% upward adjustment in electricity and water tariffs for the third quarter of the year.
Ewurabena Hagan/Citifmonline.com/Ghana
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