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The Minister-designate for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah has said a total of GHC 840 million was spent on the free water supply system introduced by the President as part of measures to cushion Ghanaians for the Covid-19 period.

She made the statement when she appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament for vetting on Tuesday, February 23.

She said about ten million people in urban areas benefitted from the intervention but could not readily provide the figure for beneficiaries of the intervention in rural areas.

President Akufo-Addo announced the extension of the free provision of water and electricity for lifeline customers by three more months.

According to him, the extension has become necessary to reduce the continued ravaging impact the Covid-19 pandemic has brought on Ghanaians.

He made the announcement in his 21st COVID-19 update to the nation on Sunday, January 3, 2021.

He said lifeline electricity consumers and households whose water usage do not exceed five cubic meters per month will not pay for the utilities in January, February, and March 2021.

“You will recall that, in our quest to help shield you from the effects of the virus, Government took the decision to provide relief to Ghanaians, which included the absorption of electricity and water bills. This relief package ended in December. However, with the continuing difficulties occasioned by the pandemic, I want to state that the Government intends to continue to support the most vulnerable in our society”.