The Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Com­mission (PURC), Dr Shafic Sulemana, has assured residents of Bongo in the Upper East Region that their long-standing fluoride-contaminated water issue will be prioritised under the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.Speaking during a courtesy call on Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, Dr Sulemana revealed that PURC had outlined proposals to integrate com­munity-managed water systems with Ghana Water Limited (GWL).

If successful, this initiative would pave the way for a major water expansion project for Bongo.Dr Sulemana noted that tack­ling high fluoride levels in water required more than infrastructure. "It's not just about investing in water infrastructure.

A comprehensive ap­proach including the replacement of contaminated boreholes with safer sources is critical," he explained.The visit was part of a nationwide tour to familiarise himself with re­gional utility challenges.

He said the engagement allowed the commission to collaborate with utility providers and consumers to improve service delivery.Mr Akamugri, in his remarks, urged PURC to support an ex­pansion of street lighting across communities, citing rising crime in mining areas due to poor lighting.