Issue: FROM ONLINE FEEDBACK

Do you think the arguments in favour of increasing water rates are valid?

FROM ONLINE FEEDBACK

Is the public getting value for money?

Raising the price of commodity is not the only or even the best way to increase the viability of the National Water Commission. For Mr E.G. Hunter to confess that he had not, in the last 11 years implemented such a simple idea of financial viability, begs the question: What has he been doing over the last 11 years?

We know that there is a cost associated with water supply even in a country like Jamaica were water is so abundant. The question is: Are people getting the value for their money? I think based on the number of yearly demonstrations regarding water unavailability and billing discrepancies, we can hardly say we are getting value for money. Another consideration is the benefit of cheap water to the society. Water is used by all businesses and households. A better quality of life in part means a more affordable living. An increase in water rates will no doubt make living more unaffordable and may even have an impact on water-intensive businesses to the point of downsizing these business or in some cases closing these business contributing to more unemployment and a contraction of the economy.

I am truly troubled that so many times the solution sought is an increase in price. This is unfortunate because it is not a solution. The solution for the NWC may be to diversify its services to provide more specialised water supply and/or water treatment solutions as an extended component to its business. It could also look into fixing inefficiencies, including those affecting its service reliability.

- Jahnhi