Paul-Andre Walker, Staff Reporter
THE NATIONAL Stadium complex might have to close its doors today.
There has been no water at the facility since Wednesday on account of a $2.8 million water bill that is yet to be paid.
Manager of Independence Park Ltd., the company in charge of running the affairs of the Stadium, Major Desmond Brown, is incensed at the recent water lock-off.
According to Brown, his organisation's water bill has gone up significantly in the past six months.
Brown quoted figures that ranged between $261,000 and $894,000 per month since April of this year, saying: "My bill went up from about $300,000 a month to about $800,000 a month and I cannot be using that much water.
"I've been paying $500,000 per month for the past four months. Something is wrong!" he exclaimed.
When The Gleaner spoke to, Michael Morrison, the National Water Commission's (NWC) man in charge of all government accounts, he was of the opinion that the bills hadn't really increased, but that the hosting of events caused fluctuations in the bill that Brown has not accounted for.
"I don't think the Stadium really has a problem. The bill is not higher. Even the circus will increase their water rate. They haven't budgeted for all those things," said Morrison.
Last Saturday, Brown locked down the Stadium in order to facilitate checks for leaks by the NWC.
Brown says he has not received a report from the NWC regarding Saturday's check which is his reason for being surprised at the water lock-off.
"We locked down the Stadium for their leak protection unit and are awaiting the report, so I'm a little bit surprised that they turned off the water," he said.
ESCALATING WATER BILL
Nevertheless, Brown indicated that he intended to do something about the escalating water bill and asked for the aid of the Ministry of Local Government.
Talks between Lascelles Ellis, the ministry's principal financial officer, and Morrison are ongoing but there is no news of when an end to the problem will be achieved.
According to Morrison, Ellis spoke to him about paying a part of the bill but has not got back to him with a figure.
Brown was of the understanding that, based on the talks between the ministry and NWC, water would have been restored yesterday.
At press time last night, that had not occurred and Brown is fearful that he will have to shut down the entire facility today, pending the return of water.
"We only have swimming going now and if things don't change, we may have to lock down the place by tomorrow [today]," said Brown.
"My position is that they should produce a report. It's not a case where we just said that we weren't paying and you can do what you want. Give me a report and tell me that I have five days or whatever and we work it out," he added.
