● Pure water should not be expensive

Dear Editor,

About two years ago, the Association of Sachet Water Producers decided to increase the unit price of sachet water from 0.20 pesewas to 0.30 pesewas, citing increase in utility tariffs and cost of production as contributory factors.

There was some level of surprise and outrage but the public had to buy at that price because water is an essential commodity.

About two days ago, I decided to buy three pieces of sachet water (pure water) at the usual 0.30 pesewas each. The seller after serving me told me there were plans to increase the price to 0.40 pesewas. I was alarmed and told her to go and inform their association that citizens, including myself, were not ready to buy sachet water at that price.

I went further to ask what had informed the new price and she cited the recent increase in water tariffs by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) but again, I retorted that the new tariff still did not warrant the sudden increase of 0.40 pesewas per sachet.

Upon reaching my destination, I pondered over how the ordinary person on the street may not be able to afford ‘pure water’ sometime in future. If the proposed 0.40 pesewas per sachet is granted, it means a bag of pure water would be sold between GH¢7.00 and GH¢8.00 and it may eventually reach GH¢10.00. This, I believe, is not the way to go.

I have always maintained that irrespective of general hike in prices, some basic commodities should not be affected. If I were the government I would put a price ceiling on some essential commodities to make life easier for ordinary citizens and prevent businesses from exercising ‘arbitrary powers.’

I, therefore, wish to use your medium to inform the association of sachet water producers to spare us the proposed increment. We can’t die of thirst just because they want to make profit!

Frank Thompson,

Maamobi, Accra.