VISAKHAPATNAM: Hefty water bills have led to protests from residents of apartments after the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) introduced new spot billing system sometime ago. A few bills have been cited as examples of erratic billing under the new system.

But the GVMC has its reasons to go in for spot billing. Delay in issue of bills, complaints over erratic billing, etc. have led to introducing the new system for semi bulk consumers - mainly apartments and commercial complexes.

The mistakes committed in taking meter reading by the two staff members appointed for the purpose have led to recording incorrect figures, according to V. Chandraiah, Superintendent Engineer of Water Supply.

Instead of recording all the digits or multiplying the figure for kilolitres they recorded only a part of the digits displayed by the meter. When it was discovered, it had been decided to dispense with the system and introduce spot billing on the lines of electricity meter reading with a hand-held machine.

Only billing system has been changed but the tariff has been in force from April 2003, he says. Under the spot billing system introduced in July, so far 90 to 95 per cent bills had been issued and about 20 per cent paid, he said.

Question of category

After spot billing was introduced, the Visakhapatnam Apartment Residents Welfare Association has objected to it pointing out that bills run into lakhs of rupees. Besides, it wanted apartments to be kept under the `domestic' category instead of `domestic semi-bulk.' They have particularly mentioned bills received by residents of two apartments in KRM Colony and one in Dabagardens.

But these instances are not isolated, maintain officials. Of the roughly 900 apartment and commercial complexes, hotels, hospitals etc, some 300 had received bills for huge amounts. The earlier reading and the reading at the time of billing have been recorded and no one can say he has not utilised water, says an official. The problem in some cases might be tenants changing and the new entrant having to pay the arrears.

However, officials admit that for the erratic and irregular readings taken by the staff, residents cannot be held responsible. Hence a cell has been opened at the GVMC office to deal with the problem and explain how it arose.

Formula worked out

Besides, a via media has been worked out. If the slab levels are worked for the months billed the amount will be more since it will cross the 100 kilolitres (kl) mark after which one has to pay Rs.25 per kl. To reduce it, the consumption is staggered from the date of installation of the meter on the basis of which the monthly slab is worked out, explain officials.

Mr. Chandraiah says residents could pay the arrears in instalments. He hopes to streamline the water billing system by March next.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu