Prepaid water could be coming this year

Jamaicans could have access to prepaid water supply this calendar year.

That’s according to Corporate Public Relations Manager at the National Water Commission (NWC), Charles Buchanan, who, in an interview today on Power Talk on Power 106 FM, said the matter is actively being explored by the utility company.

Buchanan said the NWC is aware that there are several factors to consider in introducing prepaid water and that’s why it is carefully evaluating the service.

He said the NWC would seek to target certain customers who would find prepaid metering ideal for their living situations.

Buchanan said the NWC will this year be redoubling its efforts to improve service to customers as well as tackling illegal connections and outstanding debt.

He said more than $20 billion is currently owed to the NWC by customers.

He said most of the debt is in arrears for more than 90 days with a number of legacy delinquents.

Buchanan said about 25 per cent of the arrears is in relation to customers who have been disconnected for unpaid bills.

Buchanan disclosed that 125,000 accounts of a total customer base of 450,000 are currently disconnected because of outstanding water bills.