By: Precious Miracle Kargbo (Intern)
The Sierra Leone Electricity, Water and Regulation Commission has issued stern warning and condemned the action of sachet water companies that are producing and selling above the price approved by the commission.
Director of Economic Regulation, Brima Bah of the Electricity, Water and Regulatory Commission (EWARC) made this statement at a local radio station in Freetown.
In his opening statement, Bah maintains that they are fully aware of the complaint and proposal being brought to their notice by the national water union but they have not given any verdict to any company on raising the price of water per bundle or per sachet.
He added “we received an application recently sometime in august requesting for the increment of bundle water from 6 to 10 Leone, we have acknowledge the application but we cannot approve any document without any supporting data, so we have sent it back to them and we are waiting on their response, as the role of the commission is not just for the consumer but to also seek the interest of the producer, because we want to ensure that business operates by providing quality water at the most affordable price to the consumers”.
Mr. Bah describes that as a commission they are looking into the proposal being brought to them by the water union and if there are reasons for an increment on the prices of products being used to produce as in the content of their proposal then they as a commission will check and do a scientific analysis which depends on data to either approve or disapprove the request of the union.
“Even if we approve, it will not necessarily mean the exact amount of 10 Leones per bundle as asked by the union, we will calibrate in a way that customers can understand and increase a little bit on their payment plan,” he intimated.
The Director narrates that there had been an engagement with the national water union yesterday and they are working unanimously on how to settle this issue, he said “we have heard the rumors that some producers are selling at an illegal price not approved by the commission but anyone that is found wanting of this act will not only be fined but will find their companies to be shut down by the commission.
Mr. Bah said he is aware that the cost of materials varies and that companies are running through very difficult time at the moment but depending on the cost structure then companies will be able to follow in the same line. There is a database of all registered water companies and we are on top of the situation to amend whatever challenges face these companies; though a lot of companies are involved in illegal increment of prices they are doing all our best to monitor and track them down.
Meanwhile, in an interview conducted with some retailers and owners of Sachet water Companies, Michael C.D Roberts of the K. Mac said they have no knowledge about price increment even though there are some challenges with the cost of materials.
Roberts further that even though they are running at a loss he urged the commission to take stern actions against all those that are selling at an illegal price, and for all to enjoy normal price control that will be affordable price for all.
Whereas, the Manager of the Brookfield’s Pure water in Freetown Mohamed Kamara said he is yet to experience the sale of water at 10 Leones but have been following the due price by the commission.
He called for unity amongst the companies for the smooth running of the business and the commission also has the responsibility to always dialogue with the water union on whatever action that will best suited the business owners and the consumers.
Director Brima Bah assures that they are dealing with all producers and they will ensure that engagements with the water union will be understood by all parties, but if they fail to listen then the commission will surely take the action as mentioned earlier first by issuing a press release then finally to put into action its content.
