The Ministry of Water Supply has decided to suspend water supply to nearly 73,000 consumers who have failed to settle their outstanding bills for more than six months.
According to the media reports, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) is taking measures to implement the decision of the Ministry.
The Ministry has pointed out that the said number of consumers have to settle a total amount of Rs 145 million and due to the non-payment of bills, the NWSDB has lost almost Rs. 8 billion.
Consumers have already been informed via SMS to settle their outstanding bills, which are pending for more than six months. Among the consumers, only 100 customers have settled their bills after receiving the SMS, the Water Board said.
The NWSDB said the consumers also include several hotels, which are unable to settle their outstanding water bills due to the tourism industry being affected as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Minister of Water Supply Vasudeva Nanayakkara has urged the consumers to settle their outstanding payments as it costs the Water Board Rs 2 billion a month to provide services. (NewsWire)