WASA tightens noose around defaulters

The Rawalpindi Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has formed five teams to recover millions of rupees in outstanding dues from 16,000 consumers who failed to secure relief from the Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi Bench regarding the escalated commercial tariff for water supply and sewage services.

According to a spokesperson for the civic agency, a comprehensive plan has been devised to initiate First Information Reports (FIR) against the defaulters while simultaneously disconnecting their water supply connections.

He said the newly appointed WASA Managing Director Muhammad Saleem Ashraf has implemented a zero-tolerance policy to enhance revenue.

Moreover, in December 2023, Rs100 million were successfully retrieved from consumers of water supply and sewage services. This positive trend continued into January 2024, with a recovery amounting to Rs120 million.

The tariff hike prompted resistance from consumers in both domestic and commercial sectors, with a majority of the non-payments emanating from commercial consumers who sought relief through legal channels.

However, the Lahore High Court’s Pindi Bench, in response to an appeal by 16,000 commercial consumers, redirected the case to the Secretary Housing Punjab.

Read: WASA to register cases against defaulters

Consequently, the WASA MD received explicit instructions to adhere to established regulations, leading to the formation of five specialised teams for the recovery of outstanding amounts from commercial customers.

A stern notice has been issued to all private schools, hotels, restaurants, and other commercial establishments, emphasising the imperative to settle outstanding debts promptly or face legal consequences. Simultaneously, a revenue recovery review meeting endorsed the decision to file FIRs against defaulters, individuals involved in illegal connections, and those obstructing the revenue recovery process. Presiding over the meeting, WASA MD Muhammad Saleem Ashraf underscored the need for relentless actions against all defaulters, including the discontinuation of sewage and water connections.

He affirmed that FIRs would be filed against defaulters engaged in illegal water connections and interference with government operations. Furthermore, MD Ashraf emphasised the daily review of revenue inspectors' performance, advocating strict disciplinary measures against those exhibiting negligence in revenue collection. He emphasised that there is no room for dishonest or idle workers within WASA.

The revenue recovery review meeting witnessed the participation of key figures, including DMD Finance Aamir Ashfaq Qureshi, Director of Finance and Revenue Tahir Bashir Mirza, deputy directors of revenue, and revenue staff, indicating a comprehensive approach to address the financial challenges faced by WASA.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 26^th, 2024.