Report carried by The Chronicle and other media outlets in Ghana on Monday, August 8, 2022 suggests that the impasse between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Kroboland is far from over.
The developing story and events between the state enterprise and citizens within the Krobo enclave of the Eastern region are becoming a source of worry and cause of security concern.
The Krobo area is home to major installations, such as the two hydroelectric generation plants situated on the River Volta at Akosombo and Akuse (Kpong). The installations (Pylons) carry the Volta River Authority (VRA) heavy load of 161KVA from the generation points to the Ghana Grid Company (Gridco’s) termination point at the Tema Heavy Industrial Area near Steel Works on the Tema-Aflao highway are concentrated in the Krobo enclave.
Similarly, the area also hosts a multimillion-dollar Kpong Water Treatment Plant for the Ghana Water Company, which transmits water from the base of Mount Yogaga through the 42, 24 and 21 pipelines to the Booster Station at Ashaiman.
Regrettably, the recent development had it that some faceless persons, tagged as saboteurs have done their worst by cutting down ECG’s poles carrying 33KVA from Okwenya (Akuse Junction) on the Tema-Akosombo highway to the GWC’s Pumping Station at Akorley, between Somanya and Agormeda.
The ensuing danger has the potential to affect water and power supply to many parts of Accra and the Akuapem Ridge. What is more, the economic implication of this act of barbarism is inconceivable.
To add insult to injury, the Senior Staff Union of ECG has backed directives from the Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU) for staff of the company in Kroboland to stay away from work over safety concerns.
The Chronicle is, therefore, of the opinion that despite the militant approach adopted by some of the people to protest against the ECG for plunging the entire area into total darkness, authorities should resolve the impasse.
The Chronicle was happy when the Ministry of Energy announced that it was leading a charge to find a lasting solution to the standoff between the ECG and residents of Kroboland, and as a result, a committee has been set up to fashion out solution to the problem.
The committee, which has three representatives from Kroboland, one from National Security and two from ECG, was charged to start working immediately after commissioning.
Among its mandate will be to find a lasting solution to the issue by way of also making a determination on payment plans for outstanding bills owed by the residents in the affected area to the ECG.
The Chronicle considers this to be good news, as electricity is an essential part of modern life and important to nation building, hence cutting power to a part of the country has dire economic, health, education and social consequences.
It suffices to add that since the country is thriving to industrialise, issues of electricity must be treated with the needed urgency. Let cool heads prevail.
Source: thechronicle.com.gh
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