PURC recommends harsher punishment on illegal utility connections
The Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC), on Wednesday recommended a harsher punishment for illegal utility connections to deter like-mined others.
Nana Yaa Jantuah, the Director of External Affairs of the PURC who gave the recommendation observed especially that uncontrolled illegal power connection is impeding national power distribution and supply.
Interacting with a section of the media in Sunyani, the Director of External Affairs noted that because punishment meted out to perpetrators are not punitive enough the problem of illegal utility connections could not be uncontrolled.
Nana Jantuah indicated that illegal utility connections are serious and criminal offence and until radical measures are put in place, the issues would continue to remain a national challenge.
She observed that illegal power connection deprive the service providers of the necessary resources to effectively function.
Nana Jantuah said because illegal utility connections are considered serious offences, the problem is minimal in other parts of the world.
She announced that the Commission would soon open an office in the Brong-Ahafo Region, to enable utility consumers to channel their complaints to the commission.
Nana Jantuah added that the office would have oversight responsibility of the Upper West Region.
She appealed to consumers to pay their bills promptly and at regular intervals to avoid disconnections and also channel their complaints through the Commission for redress.
Source: GNA