Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama, has called for a reduction in the cost of electricity in addition to the government’s relief of water bills for the months of April, May and June.

In his ninth letter in a series of letters during this lockdown, the former president stated that even though the clearance of water tariffs was welcome news, electricity tariffs were more burdensome and thus a reduction there will also be very welcome.

“Clearly electricity tariffs are the more burdensome of the two utilities. There is much expectation that some subsidy payment from the Stabilization Fund to the ECG and generating companies can provide some temporary relief, however small, to consumers in this difficult period,” he urged.

He added that government should also support the Ghana Water Company Limited to improve upon their work during the lockdown as a reduction in water tariffs will be meaningless to a significant number of people who don’t have water flowing through their pipes.

“While the announcement of relief from water tariffs was received with appreciation, the lack of water in many parts of the specified areas make the three month cancellation of tariffs meaningless for some.

“The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) must be supported to increase the supply of water to make this gesture meaningful to all. Our people are also urged not to waste water at this critical time,” he said.

John Mahama  further stated that, ‘Clear instructions must be given to GWCL that the Presidential directive of three months relief from water tariffs means that no consumer must be billed for the months of April, May and June. This is notwithstanding if they have arrears on their bills or not.”