Proposed water tariff increase is unreasonable

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Something must have gone terribly wrong with the National Water Commission (NWC). How can they be asking consumers to pay a 51 per cent tariff increase for water they supply. Was there much thought put into consideration for this increase? If this is granted, how will this affect the general cost of living for the average consumer who is already struggling to pay the current rate? This will affect the cost of everything, from manufacturing to construction and just about everything else. The consumers will feel the heavier burden on their already tight budgets. How will institutions such as schools, hospitals and other similar places pay this enormous increase? The provision of water is no doubt expensive, but 51 per cent is far too much at one time.

It is well known that the NWC collects only a fraction from what they supply, but there seems to be a lot of inefficiency in providing the service. Many people do not pay bills. Collect from those. Leaking pipes are common, fix them. Customers who are not now paying will still not pay, so the increased rate will still have to be paid by the currently paying customer.

Finally, can the NWC give the country a hint of what the development plans are? NWC, as we say in Jamaica, please ‘wheel and come again’.

TREVOR SAMUELS

PRO

National Consumers League

29 Beechwood Ave Kgn 5