St. George’s, Grenada: 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.