Team Herald
MARGAO: Several residents and water consumers in Salcete taluka were left shocked and frustrated upon receiving water bills that covered the last three to four months.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
This irregular billing has caused a great deal of stress, as consumers now find themselves struggling to pay a large sum for the past few months all
at once.
The delayed issuing of water bills has led to widespread frustration, disrupting personal budgets and raising concerns about potential service interruptions or late fees.
Many consumers speaking to the media, explaining that the recent bills show charges for water usage spanning the last three months, causing confusion and inconvenience.
Anthony Fernandes, a local resident, expressed his disbelief at the issue and questioned the authorities’ failure to issue water bills on a monthly basis.
“Many consumers are already struggling to balance their salaries with daily necessities. To suddenly receive such high water bills has created anxiety among residents,” he said.
The problem has turned into more than just an inconvenience—it’s a financial burden. Without monthly bills, consumers are unable to track their water usage, plan their finances, or make timely payments. The lack of communication from the utility company has left many wondering whether this issue is affecting their neighbors or if they are being unfairly singled out.
Moreover, when bills are issued after several months, the total amount due increases significantly. For instance, if a consumer’s usage falls below a certain threshold in a given billing period, the Government of Goa allows for charges to be waived. However, if the billing period exceeds one month, the total consumption is higher, making the scheme inapplicable.
Jose Mendeira, another resident, pointed out that the current billing period runs from October 2, 2024, to January 21, 2025, with a payment due date of
February 14.
He emphasized the need for swift action from the concerned authorities to resolve the issue, send out any missing bills, and ensure this doesn’t happen again in the future. Additionally, he stressed the importance of accurate meter readings being reflected in the bills.
As customers, residents believe it is their right to receive regular and accurate billing information.
