Kloma Gbi and Kloma Hengme, two pressure groups in the Krobo area, have jointly petitioned the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to compel Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) to restore water supply to affected communities to avert what they have described as a ‘looming public outburst that portends avoidable chaos.’
According to the groups, the disruption in water supply, caused by the construction works on the Somanya-Odumase-Kpong road has entered its sixth month, causing significant inconvenience to residents of communities such as Sawer in the Yilo Krobo Municipality, Atua South, Kodjonya and Odumase South, in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality.
The petition, dated Tuesday January 14, 2025 was signed by Mr. Henking Adjase-Kodjo, Director of Communications on and for Kloma Gbi and Dr. Eric Tamatey Lawer, General Secretary on and for Kloma Hengme.
The two representatives from each group urged the regulator to investigate the root cause of the delays on the part of GWL in repairing the pipelines and to hold responsible parties accountable, as mandated under Section 13 of the PURC Act, 1997 (Act 538), which empowers the Commission to investigate consumer complaints.
The petition further called on the Commission to engage Ghana Water Limited, General Constructions Ltd (the company working on the road in question) and other relevant stakeholders to expedite the repair of the damaged pipelines.
The groups referenced Section 12 of the Act, which obliges utility providers to ensure reliable, adequate and efficient services.
Additionally, the groups urged the PURC to establish a clear timeline for restoring water supply to the affected areas and communicate this to the public, ensuring compliance under Sections 3 and 13 of the PURC Act, which mandates the monitoring and enforcement of public utilities obligations.
The groups also requested that the Commission ensure that no such damage to underground pipelines and its resultant disruption of water supply to the communities are left unattended for this long period, as the works on the stretch of road progress.
Speaking on behalf of Kloma Gbi, Mr. Henking A. Adjase-Kodjo, Director of Communications, noted that the lack of access to water for such a prolonged period was unacceptable. This has left the citizenry increasingly agitated; he added.
Dr. Eric Tamatey Lawer, General Secretary of Kloma Hengme, on his part, urged the Commission to explore possible compensation for affected residents, indicating that the prolonged disruption in water supply, which caused a great deal of inconvenience to the consumers represents a failure to meet acceptable service standards contrary to Sections 12 and 13 of the PURC Act.
Stakeholders who served copies of the petition include the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, the Konors of Manya and Yilo Krobo, Members of Parliament for both Yilo and Lower Manya Krobo Constituencies, Ghana Police Service and Coordinating Directors of the Yilo and Lower Manya Krobo Municipalities.
Background of the pressure groups
Kloma Gbi is a youth-driven network established on the conviction of the need for a more effective and active voice for the Krobo state.
The association exists to rally progress-minded youth of Krobo ancestry, leverage their expertise, vitality and sense of patriotism to promote the welfare of the people and the Krobo state on issues of education, development and general welfare.
With an initial presence on social networks since 2010, the network transformed into a formidable group of learned, like-minded and farsighted young men and women.
Kloma Gbi seeks to be precisely what its name offers – being the most effective, recognized, vocal and representative voice for the Krobo community, working in close partnership with the local & traditional authorities, voluntary, public, and private sector organisations and residents in the best interest of the Krobo state.
Kloma Hengme (KH) on the other hand is an advocacy and heritage organisation that brings together individuals of Krobo ancestry from Manya and Yilo Krobo.
Formed in 2011, the group is united by a shared commitment to amplifying the Krobo voice, driving meaningful change, preserving Krobo heritage, and creating opportunities to uplift its people and communities.
Founded on the principles of patriotism and progress, the organisation embodies the Krobo spirit of resilience and innovation. Its name, Kloma Hengme, which loosely translates as The Eagle Eye of the Krobo State, symbolises the group’s dedication to safeguarding the community’s welfare and driving progress.
As a non-partisan and apolitical organisation, Kloma Hengme collaborates with local and traditional authorities, as well as public and private sector organisations. Through its efforts, Kloma Hengme continues to serve as a leading force for positive transformation in the Krobo area.
