Opposition Leader Marlon Penn has blasted the Government over its push to increase water rates, accusing the administration of repeatedly placing additional financial burdens on struggling residents.
“You see every day the challenges ordinary citizens are facing, and all this Government could do is increase fees,” Penn said. “There’s no creativity in terms of addressing the overall needs of the Territory.”
Speaking on the Talking Points programme on Monday, August 17, Penn argued that residents should not be forced to pay more for an unreliable water service.
“There are so many challenges with water production and distribution in this Territory. To be discussing a rate increase before you address getting water to customers, I think it was in poor taste for the Premier to have that conversation in the House on Thursday,” he said.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley recently signalled that higher water rates could be introduced under the newly established Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation (VIEWCo). He argued that existing rates are heavily subsidised and must be adjusted to make the operation financially viable.
When challenged in the House of Assembly, the Premier said he was “doubling down” on his position. He also identified unpaid bills, unmetered connections and non-revenue water as major problems.
Penn, however, said the Government’s immediate priority should be repairing the infrastructure, delivering a reliable supply and ensuring paying customers receive water.
He said any increase should only be considered gradually after those problems are addressed.
“Not this approach that they intend to take, just saddling the consumers of the Territory with additional burdens that they cannot afford,” Penn argued.
“You see every day the challenges ordinary citizens are facing, and all this Government could do is increase fees,” Penn said. “There’s no creativity in terms of addressing the overall needs of the Territory.”
Speaking on the Talking Points programme on Monday, August 17, Penn argued that residents should not be forced to pay more for an unreliable water service.
“There are so many challenges with water production and distribution in this Territory. To be discussing a rate increase before you address getting water to customers, I think it was in poor taste for the Premier to have that conversation in the House on Thursday,” he said.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley recently signalled that higher water rates could be introduced under the newly established Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation (VIEWCo). He argued that existing rates are heavily subsidised and must be adjusted to make the operation financially viable.
When challenged in the House of Assembly, the Premier said he was “doubling down” on his position. He also identified unpaid bills, unmetered connections and non-revenue water as major problems.
Penn, however, said the Government’s immediate priority should be repairing the infrastructure, delivering a reliable supply and ensuring paying customers receive water.
He said any increase should only be considered gradually after those problems are addressed.
“Not this approach that they intend to take, just saddling the consumers of the Territory with additional burdens that they cannot afford,” Penn argued.
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