John Myers Jr., Staff Reporter
THE MINISTRY of Local Government was yesterday forced to seek a compromise with the National Water Commission (NWC) in a bid to avert a widescale disconnection of standpipes across the island.
This, after the NWC toughened its stance against the Ministry for not paying a water bill amounting to over $90 million.
Charles Buchanan, corporate communications manager at the NWC, told The Gleaner yesterday that the Commission began disconnecting the standpipes because of the unwillingness of the Local Government Ministry to make efforts to clear the bill, despite several notices.
"We have been disconnecting some standpipes for arrears, as well as some long-standing issues we have had with the abuse of standpipes and also because of the fact that in many of the areas where standpipes exist, there is ample opportunity for persons to be connected individually," Buchanan said.
He added that the NWC has sought to disconnect standpipes which "serve to drain the public water supply because of wastage."
Lorraine Robinson, permanent secretary in the Local Government Ministry, yesterday said she was unaware that so much money was owed to the NWC. However, she said, "We are reconciling, that is why we are having the meeting on Monday for us to try and put a payment plan in place."
DISCONNECTION SUSPENDED
Following consultations with the president of the NWC, E.G. Hunter, chairman Richard Byles and Minister of Water and Housing Donald Buchanan, the NWC said it has decided to suspend the disconnection exercise "to allow for further resolution of the issue of payment and in consideration of the inconvenience and possible health implications to those persons who normally utilise the services of the standpipes."
However, the NWC pointed out that standpipes which have already been disconnected will remain so until an agreement is reached for the payment of the outstanding sum.
The NWC was adamant that the disconnection will resume if an unacceptable payment agreement is not devised. "The Ministry of Water and Housing and the commission are united in the belief that all who enjoy the commission's services must pay their fair share," a statement from the NWC said yesterday.
