MARGAO: Already facing a tough time to earn their livelihood in wake of COVID-19 pandemic and burdened with the rise in fuel prices, the domestic and commercial consumers from Salcete were shocked and irked to receive hefty water bills.
Many consumers of Salcete and other areas have urged the government to be sensitive towards the difficulties faced by the people.
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Speaking to Herald, the consumers expressed their frustration after they received the water bill amounting to Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 for seven months. However, the senior officials of the Public Works Department defended saying the bills are being issued for the period of seven months due to the pandemic, which has resulted in huge amount.
Adv Sweta Pereira informed that she received the water bill of nearly Rs 4,000 for the period of seven months and the time is given for the payment is hardly seven days.
“This is ridiculous. How come the common man will make arrangements to pay such huge bills at the time all are facing hardship to earn livelihood in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hundreds of people have lost their jobs. Goans are in trouble and despite knowing the pathetic situations, the government is issuing hefty bills,” she stated.
“We have been informed upon the inquiry that the concerned department failed to issue the bills on time due to pandemic. We believe it. But at the same time, the concerned department and overall the government should also understand that people too are facing tough times to earn their daily bread in wake of a pandemic. It looks like this government has become insensitive towards the difficulties faced by the people,” alleged Damacino Rodrigues.
Several other consumers said that they have received the water bills of Rs 3,000 for seven months, as on average they used to receive a monthly bill between Rs 100 and Rs 200 for five months.
“We expected a bill of Rs 800 to Rs 1,000. However, we were shocked to receive a bill of Rs 2,500,” they said.
