In a decisive effort to combat the rampant theft of metal water meters, the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has announced plans to phase out metal meters and replace them with plastic alternatives.

Managing Director of GWCL, Dr. Clifford Braimah, revealed the initiative during a press briefing in Accra on [Insert Date], noting that the persistent targeting of metal meters by scrap dealers has resulted in significant financial losses and service disruptions.

“We are losing thousands of cedis due to the activities of scrap metal thieves,” Dr. Braimah said. “This is not just about replacing stolen meters—it’s about safeguarding public infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted water supply.”

According to GWCL, the transition to plastic meters will be implemented in phases, beginning in urban areas where theft has been most severe. The plastic meters are designed to be durable and less attractive to metal scavengers, thereby reducing the incentive for theft.

The company reported that hundreds of metal meters are stolen each month, particularly in densely populated areas. These thefts often lead to illegal water connections, increased non-revenue water, and costly repairs.

“This move is long overdue,” said Kwabena Donkor, a resident of Kasoa whose water meter was stolen twice in one year. “We hope it brings some lasting relief.”

Dr. Braimah assured customers that the replacement exercise will be carried out with minimal disruption and that efforts are being made to strengthen community surveillance and law enforcement collaboration to deter further incidents.

Industry watchers have praised the innovation, though some have called for broader reforms, including stricter regulation of the scrap trade and public awareness campaigns on the impact of meter theft.

As the rollout begins, GWCL is urging residents to cooperate with installation teams and to report suspicious activities around water infrastructure.