[ 2015-03-28 ]

ICU demands immediate withdrawal of new utility tariffs
The Industrial and Commercial workers Union (ICU)
has called for the immediate withdrawal of new
utility tariffs, which are expected to take effect
from April 1.

The PURC on Thursday announced that electricity
and water tariffs will go up by 2.63 per cent and
1.06 percent, respectively.

But General Secretary of the Industrial and
Commercial Workers Union Solomon Kotei in an
interview with Starr News said the move is a sign
of government's insensitivity.

He believes the increment would worsen the plight
of Ghanaians who are already reeling under the
current energy crisis.

“Government has been very insensitive to the
plight of Ghanaians...Now you have come with an
increase from the PURC when you are aware that
workers are not being given their fair share of
the cake.

“We think the timing is wrong and this is not
the time government should add on to the already
burdened Ghanaian worker,” Mr. Kotei said.

Meanwhile, legal practitioner, Gary Nimako says
the PURC has lost its relevance and failed at
protecting the interest of consumers.

He added that there is a high possibility the
court can reverse the hike if the matter is taken
there as has been threatened by the Consumer
Protection Agency.

“The PURC has lost their relevance in terms of
protection to the consumer and it appears that all
they are doing is to increase the utility services
irrespective of the non performance of the service
providers”.

Source - Starrfmonline

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