Demand for inquiry into Luganville water billing system

Irregularities in the billing system in Luganville has prompted calls for an inquiry into how the billing is made.

This call has been echoed by the Union of Moderate Parties regional committees in Luganville for the government to make an investigation into the billing system alleging that politics may be involved.

UMP regional president, Jean Yve Etul alleged that they are aware the supporters of a minister in government are not paying water bills and are using it for free.

“The government must clear these irregularities or urgently tender the water supply operation to a private sector to ensure every citizen of Luganville is treated fairly,” Etul stated in a press statement.

“We have been advised, supporters of the said minister have been collecting water bills from resident of Luganville promising they will pay only for the residents to find out that no receipts were issued,” Mr Etul detailed.

UMP claims the water bill issue has become politicized and could turn bad and is calling on the police to investigate the issue.

Some of the residents who have been receiving their bills less than three months due were at the police station Thursday to raise their complaints.

Daily Post called the officer in charge for water bills but couldn’t get any confirmation from him before going to print as he was in a meeting.

However, an officer under the urban water supply said it was just a mistake with the water bills increase but he said the residents should see them if they have any queries about their bills.