Kasoa a Major Hub of Illegal Water Connections — GWL MD
The Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, Adam Mutawakilu, has identified Kasoa and Budumburam as major hotspots for illegal water connections, including unauthorised activities by some sachet water producers.
Speaking in an interview, Mr Mutawakilu revealed that the growing menace has significantly contributed to rising levels of non-revenue water within the company. According to him, non-revenue water, which includes losses from theft, leakages and metering inefficiencies, has increased from between 40 and 45 per cent in previous years to 52 per cent currently.
“Yes, I can say that Kasoa is one of the hubs of illegal connections… Sachet water producer is producing it illegally,” he stated.
Mr Mutawakilu explained that the troubling figures have prompted a reassessment of the company’s Loss Control Team, which has traditionally been responsible for detecting and shutting down illegal connections. He questioned whether the team’s current structure and operations remain effective in addressing evolving challenges.
“When we came, we assessed the Loss Control Team, but why are we recording 52 per cent non-revenue water now? That means something is wrong,” he said. “We need to evaluate whether it is still relevant today. If you are bringing in the Revenue Enhancement Team, do you still need the Loss Control Team to be there?”
He disclosed that the activities of the Loss Control Team have been temporarily paused for about two months to allow management to trial the approach of the newly introduced Revenue Enhancement Team. The aim, he noted, is to identify more efficient strategies to curb water theft and recover lost revenue.
The GWL boss stressed that illegal connections not only deprive the company of critical revenue but also exacerbate water shortages in neighbouring communities that depend on reliable supply.
“Non-revenue water is a serious issue, and we are trying all options to tackle it. We must act decisively to safeguard water supply for the growing population in Greater Accra and beyond,” he said.
