PURC Executive Secretary familiarises with GWL Kpeve Headworks activities

Dr Shafic Sulemana, the Executive Secretary of Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC), Wednesday assured that the Commission would not compromise on its responsibilities regarding the Kpeve Headworks of the Ghana Water Limited (GWL). The assurance comes against public apprehension, after an estate developer, Stallion BSK Ghana Limited, is constructing a resort near the Kpeve Headworks. The construction project is sacrificing the buffer zone requirement, which is an international standard in the protection of water bodies in reaction to human development. This development has affected water supplies to communities in the catchment areas, including the regional capital, Ho, especially, when rainfalls, as the vegetation covers upstream of the intake point and borders the buffer zone.

Dr Sulemana said as mandated to regulate, oversee and provide guidelines for the provision of electricity, water and natural gas transportation services, while balancing the interests of consumers and utility providers, a team from the Commission has paid a working visit to the Headworks to familiarise itself with the developments in that enclave make an informed decision. He observed some positive indications on the project grounds, which suggested that the developer was escalating a human face to the concerns being raised by PURC, GWL and others by raising a ‘rip rap’ or embankment to protect run-offs into the intake point but noted that much was needed to be done. He said it is factual that the buffer zone of at least 500 metres has been compromised and revealed that that was worrisome and an affront to the law on water body protection. Dr Sulemana said the developer should be mindful of the fact that though the resort is an economic value undertaking that should not overrun the…