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Published Wednesday, March 18,
2020
The government
must reducewater service rates By the A.M. Costa Rica staff The Water and Sewers Institute must reduce drinking water service rates in areas where suspensions have been applied, according to the Regulatory Authority of Public Services. One of the places most affected by the lack of water service is the Metropolitan Area, according to the Regulatory Authority. Water shortages have affected approximately 100,000 homes, where rates must decrease by approximately $355,155 per month. The communities that are suffering from a discontinued water service are mostly located in the southern region of San Jose, 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 the 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.  In February, the Public Water Services Institute announced the suspension of services in selected areas. The agency said that due to a decrease in rainfall of up to 21% in the Central Valley, there is a water shortage. Central Valley consists of some districts of the provinces of San José, Cartago, Alajuela, and Heredia. According to the institute, the first phase of the rationing of water will affect more than 102,000 people from eight cantons in San José. Every Friday, the institute updates their website www.aya.go.cr to reflect scheduled areas to be affected. -------------------------------- What are the 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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