Increase in water tariff must be fully justified

REFERRING to the Economic Affairs Minister’s recent statement that “the increase in water tariff in Selangor will be reasonable”, we would like to highlight our concerns below.

1. The new water tariff must also be agreed to by the Selangor government’s exco, Energy, Technology, Science, Climate Change and Environment Ministry and the National Water Services Commission (SPAN). We hope these entities will not be mere rubber-stamping agencies.

2. Air Selangor’s high operating cost must be reduced before any tariff increase is justified.

3. While the management of Air Selangor must be commended for practising an open tender participation policy, the quality of service in key departments dealing with consumers has largely deteriorated. The quality of service must improve before any tariff increase is allowed.

4. If the sale of Splash is going to burden the people in the form of higher debt and tariff increase, then let the concession run its course but renegotiate for a lower purchase price. Air Selangor can correspondingly reduce its operating cost.

5. Form an independent oversight committee to oversee Air Selangor’s operations and quality of services for the benefit of the people.

6. Promote performance-based contracts by companies with expertise and resources as this could reduce Air Selangor’s capital requirement and expenditure.

7. Run programmes for consumers to reduce usage and conserve water; this could lead to reduction in the required water capacity and energy cost.

We hope our ministers would carefully consider the people’s welfare and the burden caused by the high cost of living before making any decision.

CONCERNED SELANGOR VOTER Petaling Jaya