Wassa Akropong (W/R), Sept 21, GNA - Residents of Wassa Akropong and its environs could soon begin using water from streams and rivers if they continue to refuse to pay for pipe borne water they consume. They owe the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) over 15 million cedis in unpaid bills and company has threatened to stop pumping by October 1st if the bills are not settled.

Nana Ntim Bediako II, a chief of Dompim, said this at the first emergency ordinary meeting of the Amenfi East District Assembly at Wassa Akropong over the weekend.

He said the water system could soon break down due to lack of maintenance and the persistent refusal of the communities to pay their bills.

Mr Joseph Aidoo, the Western Regional Minister, said the non-payment of water bills could affect the work of the assembly and called for the overhaul of the Water Management Committee (WMC) of Wassa Akropong. He suggested to the Ministry of Works and Housing to ensure that nearby communities get their own water systems to reduce the burden on the main Akropong system.

Mr Aidoo said it was dangerous for any community to collect, use or drink from streams, rivers and other water sources since they could be polluted and could be hazardous to their health.

He said the assembly's allocation of 350 million cedis was meant for rehabilitation of water pumps in the district.

Mr Aidoo said an interim board could be established to supply water and collect monies for regular maintenance and other routine checks.