The Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) has added its voice on the announcement of new water costs for the island.
The DPSU had been calling on Dominica Water and Sewerage Company (DOWASCO) to implement a “minimal” increase on its tariff which it had not changed since 1998, instead of cutting down its staff or lowering their wages, in response to financial constraints.
DPSU General Secretary Thomas Letang had said publicly he would not stand for the proposed move as it would be detrimental to workers.
However, DOWASCO declared on Thursday it is increasing water and sewerage rates by 15 percent effective April 1, 2011, and the new rate will be reflected on next month’s bill.
The announcement means “commonsense has prevailed” Letang said.
“One would expect that the whole idea or the whole intention of sending people home, that now doesn’t make sense; that is something that could be just put on the back burner,” he underscored.
Letang believes additional methods will have to be sought to reduce costs at DOWASCO and subsequently stabilize finances.
hmmmm
15% increase for all means the workers as well
which effectively still lowers their salary
but the entire population now has a lower salary to play with as well…
Mr. Letang,
Do you really think you can stop any employer from reorganising thier business simoply because you say so? As long as the employer follow the law regarding laying off etc, there is nothing you can do about that but talk real bad English.
DOWASCO has to take action to continue delivering a quality service. About 80 % of Dominica can access potable water right into thier homes 24-7. In oilr rich Trinidad and Tobago, that is not possible for a very large percentage of the population. To be able to deliver the service in the manner that the puwant will require massive investments. One such investment is taking place at Antrim where DOWASCO with the help of government is putting in place a filtration system so that we can get rid of the mud in th eriver whenever it rains. The land on which the facility is going in had to be bought at commercial price. DOWASCO bought the land with a loan from NBD. A new water tank is going in at Morne Bruce. Government took Jery Brisbane advice and approved a LOAN for DOWASCO from the NBD at commercial rates. Where willthe money cone from to repay the loan. See waht happened inGiraudel/Eggleston. Two s mall communities with about five hundred households received a facility in the region of 6 million dollars. The people of Eggleston/Giraudel deserve the service, but the truth is they will never be able to pay the economical cost for the water. So DOWASCO have to find a way of repaying the commercial loan. Commercial loans have been paying for DOWASCO’s expansion program. Talkof warner, delices, campbell, Bense, Penville, etc etc.
I am told that even withthe modest increase, DOWASCO will stillbe unable to break even. To break even and pay for the required upgrade and expansion will require an increase of $22.00 over existing rates. Mr. Letang I am sure will not agree to such an increase. Therfore, if DOWASCO does not do something now with its costs then the company will not be in a position to deliver on its mandate of bringing GOOD QUALITY WATER TO THE POPULATION CONSISTENTLY ON A 24-7 BASIS. So Letang you can talk. You have to defend your members because they maintain the Union. But the welfare of the entire Dominica as a result of having delivered good quality water is the fundamental reason for reviewing DOWASCO’s operations. You must cut cost in every way.
Domnitjen zor pa aysay, If you all were the ones employed at DOWASCO, i wonder what your reactions would be when you all know that staff isn’t resposible for DOWASCO cost overun.
Letang this was a better option for now, at a later stage Government will have to do what they know is required to save DOWASCO, they know all to well that they are responsible for Dowasco’s dilema
i should not be paying more for workers to keep their jobs. if that happens somewhere else are they going to do the same. where am i getting the extra money. are all the companys going to increase salarys.
It is about time the administration at DOWASCO move forward with some positive and progressive ideas. I commend them for not decreasing the work force. It has always been said that people are not paying for water but rather for the service. Be that true as it may,isnt it time that Dominicans get what they pay for.Yes we boast of 365 rivers yet most of that water just flows into the sea.Where. is the storage? What about filtration, a little rain and the water is muddy. Let’s face it,water cost went up 12.9% in New York last year and maybe going up 7% this July. So we may not be thatbad, but? do people get mud in their pipes?What does the department of health have to say? Politicians in DA must start fighting for real causes and in particular for the welfare of the people. Dominicans need clean water better and improve storage,community outreach.and education onconservation. After all water is life.
garson misyé led
lol
lol …. I like witty comments on DNO that always make me laugh…lol
Ok, fine, so we pay more to keep the jobs at Dowasco. Where much is given much should be expected. Still cant pay bills by credit card online. Whats up with that. Move on with technology Dowasco, better customer service and see some savings with efficiency too. I wont talk about the other issues – yet
I pay ALL my bills and credit card online. Hook up with NBD.
Why should be acceptable to be able to pay your bill online, only if you have an account from a particular bank? That is not acceptable. There was a time when going to the office to pay your bills was all there was. There was also a time when the maker of the Ford Model T car, Mr. Henry Ford said: “Any customer can have a car painted any colour that he wants so long as it is black”. Dowasco aint ready yet. Of course most people accepts that.
15% ???????????
i hope u negotiate foe 15 percent for public officers next yr?
Letang u too sot, even if u increase water rate now, u will still have to lay off staff in 1.5 years. All u fellas don’t read ECCB reports man.
“365” rivers and people still making noise over water…