St. George, Grenada, March 23rd,
2010: Members of Her Majesty’s
Opposition believes that the state
owned National Water and Sewerage
Authority (NAWASA) is a victim of
the fiscal initiatives and
destructive policies of the NDC
administration. This view was
expressed when General Manager of
the Authority Mr. Christopher
Husbands and his team recently met
with a six member delegation from
the Opposition.
The meeting was requested by
NAWASA to provide information on NAWASA’s decision to change its rates effective
April, 2010. According to Mr. Husbands, the new rates are expected to result in
an increase of about 25 to 30% for domestic customers. In his response, Dr.
Mitchell explained that the Opposition fully understands the need for NAWASA to
have sufficient resources to provide the necessary essential services to the
country but indicated that he cannot support an increase in rates at this time
when the economic situation is so stressful for the people particularly the poor
and vulnerable. He also pointed out that at this time unemployment is at its
highest and that the Government has decided to impose a 15% consumption tax on
the people despite the economic situation in the country. It was then suggested
that NAWASA should demand payment from the Government for large outstanding
bills rather than ask poor ordinary Grenadians to pay more.
The Opposition delegation
congratulated the state owned company for the job it has been doing in these
difficult times of lack of rainfall. He also advised NAWASA that in the future
more consultations must be held with the general public and with stakeholders
before decisions on important matters such as new rates are taken.
Meanwhile, the Opposition
delegation also took the opportunity to raise some concerns about the current
problems faced by residents in some areas as a result of the water shortage.
Concerns were also raised about the process involved in removing standpipes, and
the discontinuation of assistance with water bills for the vulnerable in many
areas.
