What purpose does NWC serve?
Published:Saturday | December 21, 2013 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
I am quite annoyed and unimpressed with the National Water Commission (NWC). Who is the minister of government responsible for ensuring there is water in my pipe, and why is he still employed despite the consistently sloppy outcomes and customer service from the NWC?
Who are the members of the team responsible for delivering water to Cumberland, St Catherine, where I live, and what are they doing during the workday, since water is scarcely delivered to the community?
On starting to write this letter, it is 1:05 p.m. on December 18 and I have spent the last four hours walking around in circles; I am waiting, essentially, to start the day. I need to wash clothes, clean my house, and cook food, all of which require water. There is none here.
I do not have a water tank at home because I cannot afford one. Moreover, why should I pay to install and maintain a water tank on my house when I pay a monthly water bill on time? This is such slackness in the provision of an essential utility.
I have called the NWC, both on its toll-free 1-888-CALL-NWC and at its headquarters, a combination of seven times today and I am yet to get through to speak with a customer service agent. The calls get cut off once you choose that option.
As I started writing to you, someone was on Power 106 FM's 'Justice' complaining about the NWC not providing them with water for five Christmases in a row and not responding to calls.
Not acceptable
Instead of being able to talk with a customer service representative when calling the NWC, I was greeted with a voice message explaining that, despite their best efforts, disruptions in service sometimes occur. Sorry, but this is not acceptable.
If I pay for a consistent supply of water, I am entitled to a consistent supply of water, or you need to return the money I have paid to you. Keeping my money and excusing your failure to deliver what I have paid for is collecting my money under false pretence.
This is beyond frustrating. I don't care what obstacles the NWC faces; someone is being PAID with citizens' money to navigate those obstacles and ensure we have water. The lack of water is especially disgusting as one prepares for the holiday season.
Seriously, it is a shame on the NWC in 2013 - with all the technological advancement in the world - that this is the cry of so many Jamaicans. As of 6 p.m. today, I still have no water. Dear NWC, get your act together and get water in the pipes of people who are paying for it!
Shawna-Kay Lester
Cumberland, St Catherine