Sudden water bill hike sparks public fury

The Water and Sanitation Services Company Abbottabad (WSSCA) has sparked widespread anger by issuing inflated water bills to residents of four urban union councils, despite earlier assurances that recently imposed taxes would be withdrawn.

According to reports, WSSCA increased charges for five, ten, fifteen marla, and one-kanal plots under a slab system, adding water, sewerage, and sanitation taxes. For 10-marla households, bills nearly doubled from Rs750 to Rs1,350, with even higher charges for 15-marla and one-kanal properties. The sudden hike has left residents shocked and frustrated.

Members of the Tehsil Council had previously been assured by the Secretary of Local Government and Rural Development that the additional taxes would be rescinded. However, WSSCA distributed the revised bills regardless, prompting public outrage. Citizens have threatened to protest at Fawara Chowk and outside the Deputy Commissioner's office if the issue is not resolved. WSSCA spokesperson Umar Swati said that, following the council's decision to roll back the taxes, residents have been instructed not to pay the new bills for the time being.