Berekum (B/A), July 29, GNA - The increases in utility tariff have generated a lot of criticisms by residents in Berekum Municipality.

They maintained that income levels since January 2010 especially those of the public sector workers had not seen upward adjustment at least at the time of the increases.

"The 10 percent salary increase announced for public sector workers with effect from January 2010 is woefully inadequate to match the new increases in the utility tariffs," Kwasi Anto, a civil servant said.

Joseph Apraku, a trader, noted that prices of goods and services had suddenly soared up in response to the increase in production cost.

He stated that the situation was likely to lead to unemployment as some small-scale industries might resort to lay-off some of their workers in order to cope with the increases.

Madam Juliana Serwaa, a baker, noted that the situation was likely to defeat the objectives of the 93Better Ghana Agenda" of the government.

They called for a quick review downwards or a total halt of the increases.