Dominican government dismisses plans to increase water rates

The government of Dominica has dismissed a suggestion that it plans to increase water rates to help the island’s water company, DOWASCO, deal with a high debt problem.



The company has hinted at the possibility of laying off workers to respond to the situation, a move that has already been criticised by the union representing the employees.



The minister for Water Resource Management, Reginald Austrie, says the company has been asked to develop new strategies to reduce operating costs.



He maintains that Dominican cannot afford an increase in water rates at this time saying such a move would be a last resort.