Bi-monthly billing system for water charges from August

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JULY 15. The Government has decided to introduce bi-monthly billing system for water charges for domestic consumers in the Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode regions from August this year, the Irrigation Minister, Mr. T.M. Jacob, has said.

The billing would be on a monthly basis for industrial and non- domestic consumers from August. The system would soon be extended to other regions also. The decision was taken at a high- level meeting convened by the Minister here on Sunday to discuss the problems in levying water charges and in collecting dues.

At present, billing was done every six months after reading the water meter. The new system was being introduced as domestic consumers found the existing procedure cumbersome.

The State has a total of 8,15,904 domestic connections. The service of an additional 500 meter readers would have to be availed of to service all domestic consumers on a bi- monthly basis and non-domestic consumers on a monthly basis. The KWA has been directed to make the necessary arrangements in this regard, Mr. Jacob said.

The Minister struck down the KWA's proposal to hike water charges. He directed the KWA to maintain financial discipline regarding construction and maintenance activities and raise resources by collecting arrears bills.

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Section  : Southern States
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