Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Dr. Ishmael Ackah, has revealed that residents in the Eastern Region owe an amount of GH¢46 million for water supplied.

He made this known when he encouraged tertiary institution students to assist in identifying and reporting cases of illegal electricity and water connections.

“In the Eastern Region alone, water consumers owed about GH¢46 million”, Dr Ackah said.

During his address to students at Koforidua Technical University (KTU) on August 29, 2023, Dr. Ackah emphasized the importance of paying utility tariffs and the role students can play in reporting unauthorized connections.

He also highlighted the incentive of a 6% reward on the recovered revenue from illegal connections for whistleblowers.

Dr. Ackah explained that by fulfilling their billing obligations, utility companies can generate the necessary revenue to enhance their service delivery to the public.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Regional Operations and Consumer Services Director at the PURC, Alhaji Jabaru Abukari urged utility consumers to report their concerns with their landlords to the PURC for redress.

The PURC visited the university to interact with, educate, and promote the payment of utility bills among the students. They also encouraged the students to educate their parents about the importance of paying utility bills.

The event, which was attended by university lecturers and administrators, provided students with the opportunity to ask relevant questions about utility services, and they received comprehensive answers to enhance their understanding of the topics discussed.