"Authorities should clear confusions regarding prepaid water connection"
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 17 2020: In view of the ongoing pipe laying work being carried out across Imphal city, social activist Johnson Elangbam has appealed all those concerned to return the 'excess' money collected from the consumers in the name of water pipe connection, while seeking immediate attention of the authorities concerned.

Speaking to media persons at Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai, Johnson, who will also be contesting in the next election from Keishamthong AC, stated that pipe laying work is currently going on in the city reportedly to provide prepaid tap water under PHED.

However, this initiative is causing confusion among the public due to lack of awareness and proper knowledge.

It takes Rs 1100 for a person to take in a new water pipe line where Rs 100 is for security deposit and another Rs 100 is for pipe connection and the remaining Rs 900 is advanced payment for six months, he said.

Johnson further informed that as per a Cabinet decision, any unauthorised connection will be penalised Rs 3000 in addition to the original rate, making the consumer pay Rs 4100 to make the pipe connection authorised.

Meanwhile, the consumers have to bear the cost of materials required for furnishing the tap at their end.

However, in some locations, consumers are paying Rs 5500, excluding the cost of materials and it has also been found that consumers who are taking in new pipeline/connection are made to pay the penalty charge as well, he alleged.

He urged the State Government to look into the matter at the earliest as it has caused confusion and inconveniences to the public.

Maintaining that charging Rs 3000 penalty for unauthorised connection is respectable but the authorities concerned should make it clear to all that the penalty does not apply to new connections and that it is meant for the unauthorised connections only.

The public has raised questions as the actual rate for prepaid water connection (including and excluding penalty) showed various inconsistencies from one Kendra to another.

The authority should issue a clarification at the earliest, he asserted while appealing all concerned to give back the "excess" money taken from the consumers.

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