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Published Monday, March 23, 2020
Drinking water cannot be suspendedfor lack of payment By the A.M. Costa Rica staff On Friday, President Carlos Alvarado and the Minister of Health, Daniel Salas, signed a presidential rule to order all companies and organizations that distribute drinking water not to suspend service to its clients, even if they have not paid. "We are generating all possible actions that allow us to face the prevention of coronavirus covid-19 transmission and access to drinking water, " President Alvarado said. According to the government, this is a measure to guarantee the service of drinking water for everyone and to help prevent the transmission of the coronavirus covid-19. Also, with this order, the drinking water service that was suspended for the lack of payment will be reestablished. The presidential order is valid for two months, which can be extended according to epidemiological conditions, said the government in its statements. This order is mandatory for all drinking water providers such as the AyA, Aqueduct Institute, the rural drinking water company, the municipalities and the so-called ASADAS throughout the country. According to the presidential order, each company or organization that provides drinking water must alert its customers about the new facilities to cancel the awaiting payment bills. However, the authorities call on the public to responsibly use water because the country is going through a dry season, which causes a water deficit.  Last week, the Regulatory Authority of Public Services announced that the Water and Sewers Institute must reduce drinking water service rates in areas where the suspensions were applied. One of the places most affected by the lack of water service is the Metropolitan Area, according to authority. Water shortages have affected approximately 100,000 homes, where rates must decrease by approximately $355,155 per month. The communities that are mostly suffering from a discontinued water service are located in the southern region of San José, specifically in the cantons of Alajuelita, Desamparados and Hatillo. Other areas affected by lack of drinking water service are Curridabat, Escazú, Goicoechea, La Unión, Montes de Oca, Mora, Moravia, San Pablo, Santa Ana and Tibás. This decrease in the rate is following article No. 95 of the Law Regulations. This article indicates that in the case of discontinuation of service for more than 8 hours a day for at least 20 calendar days a month, the company that provides the drinking water service, in this case the institute, should not charge the basic rate which is currently $3.55 per month. The law also mentioned that in case of discontinued service, the institute must guarantee a drinking water supply. They have options like using water tank trucks and water pipe improvements among others to ensure minimum water services for the population, said the authorities. Given the situation caused by the lack of water, authorities visited some communities that have suffered their water service cut. These visits proved a non-compliance by the institute in the schedules of distribution of drinking water. Mainly in areas of high population density, such as the communities located in the canton of Desamparados, said the authorities. Programmed water services cuts must be a temporary measure. Citizens in affected areas must be informed in advance to not heavily affect the quality of life of the population. ------------------------- Are there drinking water shortages in your community? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com |
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