Though the water supply system is successfully laid, technically, the real problem is that the system is mismanaged and misused through un-meter...

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Though the water supply system is successfully laid, technically, the real problem is that the system is mismanaged and misused through un-metered and unaccounted water supply. Moreover, low tariff rates, the policy of subsidy and low recovery rate as well as metering errors and billing mistakes burden the system. People are yet to come out of the mindset that water is naturally available and hence, a free commodity. But, one has to pay for the transport of this commodity after refinement. As Kisan Mehta puts it, “When a dam is constructed and harnessed water is freely taken away, the people dependent on the water downstream are deprived of their right over this water. Do we compensate them?” When groundwater is extracted freely for commercial purpose, like by soft drinks industry, it amounts to impinging on the local people's right over their ground water. So, it is time people realise that the concept of free and low cost has to go and a rational pricing will have to be accepted to balance at least income-expenditure of the system which can be well maintained and managed. This needs a strong political will to end the political-criminal intervention, especially in the slums. Also, incentives should be offered through rebates on advanced payments, conservation practices such as rainwater harvesting and water recycling

5 Comments

  2. Yes, mismanagement and poor maintenance is the biggest issue with our municipal water infrastructure.

  3. There is need to enhance issues of waste management so that we would look at waste as investment. I the Case of Malawi. The Country has no waste management Policy to help investor invest and development partners in waste management

  5. well said Amit kumar.