The Accra East Region of the Ghana Water Company (GWCL) in a joint exercise with the Nima Police has disconnected households that had illegally connected water to their residences. Francis Lamptey, Regional Head of Loss Control Unit of GWCL, said illegal connections by the residents were the main cause of the frequent water shortage in the community. He said the illegal connections had reduced the residual pressure of water intended for other parts of the vicinity especially those on the hill. Mr Lamptey, who heads a Taskforce that disconnects illegal users of water, said they acted upon a tip off by the youth association of the community and undertook a similar exercise two weeks ago. This, he said, improved the water supply to the community hence the continuation of the exercise. The Taskforce discovered pumps mounted in bedrooms and stores of residents that had been illegally connected. Six pumps and a water tank were taken to the Regional Office of GWCL. Some of the rooms that were locked were broken into by the Taskforce and pumps disconnected. Residents cooperated during the two-hour exercise and they voluntarily led the Taskforce to households which had illegally connected water. Fred Lokko, Accra East Regional Chief Manager of the GWCL, called for a collaborative effort by the Police and the Media to help to save the Company from the frequent unaccounted water loss. He said 200,000 cedis would be given to any citizen who supplied such information and their confidentiality would be guaranteed. Mr Appiah Dadson, Public Relations Officer of the Accra East Region, said the exercise was ongoing and would be replicated in other parts of the Metropolis. The next disconnection exercise will be targeted at sachet water producers and hydrants at hotels. Source: GNA