The  Executive Sec­retary of the Public Utilities Regula­tory Commission (PURC), Dr Shafic Suleman, has called on Ghana Water Limited (GWL) to fully enforce provisions under L.I. 2413 to hold contractors account­able for damaging critical water infrastructure.He made the call during a work­ing tour of the Eastern Region, where PURC engaged key utility providers to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve service delivery, and promote consumer protection.Addressing the regional man­agement of GWL, Dr Suleman expressed concern that frequent damage to pipelines by third-party contractors in areas such as Tafo, Nsawam, Kwahu Ridge, and Kro­bo Odumase was undermining the company's operations.Such incidents, he explained, not only disrupted water supply but also increased operational costs and delayed service to communi­ties.He emphasised that L.I. 2413 provided the legal mandate for GWL to hold contractors respon­sible, ensuring that the cost of repairs not unfairly shifted onto consumers."Utilities must leverage existing regulatory frameworks to protect infrastructure and safeguard con­sumers' access to reliable service," Dr Suleman stated.He further urged GWL to inten­sify public education campaigns, particularly on the importance of protecting water infrastructure and reporting contractor-related damages.Dr Suleman commended both ECG and GWL for their resil­ience and commitment to serving consumers despite operational challenges.He assured them of PURC's continuous support in addressing systemic issues and pledged that the Commission would continue to strengthen regulatory oversight, protect infrastructure, and en­sure reliable utility services for all Ghanaians.Despite the challenges, GWL reported commendable operational performance.The Eastern Regional Chief Manager of GWL, Mr Paul Akpa­nya said the company achieved a revenue collection rate of 98 per cent, peaking at 109 per cent in July.However, six of the region's 30 water systems remain non-func­tional, largely due to raw water challenges, he revealed.He said high turbidity levels in the Birim River had forced shutdowns at the Osino and Bunso treatment plants, while frequent power outages and rising chemical costs continue to strain operations.Infrastructure threats, he said re­mained a pressing concern, adding that pipeline damaged by contrac­tors to some facilities required urgent upgrades.While the company has replaced sections of damaged pipelines, oth­ers remained outstanding.Mr Akpanya highlighted ongoing improvement projects, including upgrades at the New Juaben and Nsawam headworks, the relocation of the Asamankese office from a temporary container to a perma­nent structure, and plans for an additional high-lift pump at the Nsawam treatment plant to boost service delivery.The PURC team also inspected the newly completed Nsutem- Bunsu pro-poor water project, which was now providing safe drinking water to underserved residents.Dr Suleman described the project as a demonstration of PURC's commitment to inclusive infrastructure, noting that such initiatives significantly improve the lives of marginalised communities.As part of the regional tour, the PURC delegation met with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).ECG's Acting General Man­ager of the Eastern region, Mr Emmanuel Appoe disclosed that the company served over 450,000 customers across 14 districts, with 150,000 already migrated to pre­paid meters.To reduce losses and enhance service delivery, he said the ECG was implementing several initia­tives, including the Loss Reduction Program (LRP), Operation Keep the Light On, Operation Zero Tripping, and boundary metering.He said plans were also under­way to upgrade Koforidua's bulk supply point from 30MVA to 50MVA to improve the reliability and stability of power supply. FROM AMA TEKYIWAA AM­PADU AGYEMAN, KOFORIDUA