Having a water connection for a household is an essential service required and receiving regular bills too is important. However, in recent months, many residents in our community have experienced a troubling issue: the non-receipt of their water bills. While regular bill payments are crucial for both consumers and service providers to maintain a smooth transaction process, some individuals have reported not receiving their water bills for several months. This issue not only disrupts personal budgeting but also raises concerns about potential service interruptions or late fees.
I have been living in Old Goa since June 2023 and had not received the water bill until June 2024 which was a lump sump as it was a single bill yet the units consumed showed more due to the irregular receipt of the water bill. That’s not just it, the problem was that meter reader in the area (Old Goa) was about to retire so he was making use of all his pending leave and disrupting the lives of us ordinary citizens. When contacted the local meter reader, the reply from him was that a new meter reader will be assigned which only happened after a year.
This problem has become more than just an inconvenience. For many, it is a financial headache. Without the monthly bills, individuals are unable to track their usage, plan their finances, or make payments on time. What’s more, without proper communication from the utility company, customers are left wondering if this issue is affecting their neighbours as well, or if they are uniquely being overlooked. Also, receiving the bills after months together just increases the amount to be paid. For example, if the consumption of a consumer is below a certain number for a certain bill period, the Govt. Of Goa has enabled for rupees 0 to be charged. So if the billing period is more than a month then the units of consumption too will be more and the scheme won’t be applicable.
After receiving the bill in June 2024 the bill was regular for two months and again the residents have not received their water bills since September 2024. The last bill received in Sept 2024 was haphazardly distributed. I received the hard copy of the water of another fellow consumer. Thankful for the e- platform that I knew what was the bill amount.
For the community’s peace of mind, the concerned department should prioritise resolving this problem quickly and efficiently, sending out any missing bills and ensuring that such an issue does not happen again in the future. Also seeing that correct meter reading are reflected on the bills.
As customers, it is our right to receive regular and accurate billing information. Let this serve as a reminder to both service providers and consumers that clear communication that lives of ordinary citizens matter.
I request you to kindly make this issue known to the public and concerned department so that necessary action is taken up at the earliest.