MARGAO: It has been revealed that out of 1.20 lakh water bills issued in recent days nearly 47,000 consumers have received zero bills in South Goa, said Vishwambhar Bhende, Executive Engineer, Water Department, Fatorda, as the department has shown the willingness to allow the public to pay their water bills in installments, if the amount is more.
He was reacting to the issue of alleged hefty water bills in recent days.
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Speaking to the media persons, Bhende also said that the department has issued the water bills as per the new system that is put in practice for the South District customers.
It is pertinent to note that several people have raised their voices against the alleged hefty water bills in recent days. Consumers have expressed anger over the issue and have warned the officials of Water Department of action, soon after the election result is out.
Herald has also highlighted the issue of hefty water bills in recent days, wherein the consumers had claimed that they have received bills from Rs 8,000 to Rs 15,000 for the period of six months. They had even alleged that the free water scheme launched by the government is nothing but farce.
Reacting to the alleged hefty water bills, Bhende said that the department has started with a new system called spot billing in South Goa, and as per this system they can issue the water bills by taking into account the water consumed on the day of billing also.
“We are ready to allow the public to pay the water bills in installments if the amount is more, and hence there is no need to panic. The government has not done any changes to rates up to 20 units. There are no water charges if the water consumption is up to 16 units,” he stated.
The Executive Engineer said they have analysed the complaints filed by the consumers and it has come to light that the department has issued almost 1.20 lakh bills, and out of that nearly 47,000 consumers have got zero bills.
“Normal bill has gone to the remaining 40 to 50 per cent of the consumers. Only 5 per cent of the consumers have received high bills, and they should not panic. We will study the alleged inflated bills and rectify those if found faulty. Even if we find an accumulation of units we will rectify them,” he assured.
He further said that instruction has been given to all the concerned engineers to study the matter upon receiving the complaints and find out the solution.
“We must keep in mind that the consumption of water will be high if anyone has rented out their rooms or done extensions or much water is used for gardening purposes. There will be no much impact on the families with the members of four to five, and consumption of water is less than 40 units,” Bhende said.
He informed us that their billing system is computerised one, and they are applying the rate on a monthly basis, and hence the doubt pertaining to applying a higher rate by calculating the rates of six or more months is not correct.
“Rs 3.50 for the first 15 units. However, if the consumption of water is above 40 units then all units are calculated at the rate of Rs 15. Rs 25 per unit is applicable to the consumption of above 50 units of water,” he clarified.
