Selangor State Government has announced that the first 20 m3 water will be provided free of charge to household users since 1st June 2008.
The decision will certainly reduce the economic burdens of the people, especially those belong to the middle lower income group. Though, Selangor State Government should not neglect the long term goal of providing high quality water to the people and reducing the percentage of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) in Selangor without increasing the economic burdens of the people
In fact, Syabas managed to reduce NRW from 42 percent in 2005 to 37 percent in 2006. Syabas profit also increased from RM 900 million in 2005 to RM 1.1 billion in 2006. We believe that the biggest contribution that Syabas can provide to its users is to further reduce NRW to below 20 percent in five years.
Former Selangor Exco in charge of Public Facilities and Infrastructure Abdul Fatah had on 30th October 2006 increased water tariff and during that increase, it was also announced that 42 percent of household users who consumed less than 20 m3 a month will not be affected. Today, the percentage has increased to 45 percent and it seems that the strategy has always been targeted on household users who consumed less than 20 m3 a month.
We need to understand that such measure is only a short term measure. Syabas should be reminded that their long term goal is to provide sustainable water supply to all users in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. One major project under Syabas to be deliberated is the Pahang-Selangor water supply project which was iniated by the previous Selangor State Government. The current Selangor State Government has a huge responsibility to ensure that the project will not pose serious negative impact on the people of Selangor.
The same reminder should also go to household users in Selangor that they should not take things for granted even when the first 20 m3 water will be provided free of charge as this should be seen as a push factor for them to preserve water usage to below 20 m3 every month so that they can enjoy free water supply.
The decision will certainly reduce the economic burdens of the people, especially those belong to the middle lower income group. Though, Selangor State Government should not neglect the long term goal of providing high quality water to the people and reducing the percentage of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) in Selangor without increasing the economic burdens of the people
In fact, Syabas managed to reduce NRW from 42 percent in 2005 to 37 percent in 2006. Syabas profit also increased from RM 900 million in 2005 to RM 1.1 billion in 2006. We believe that the biggest contribution that Syabas can provide to its users is to further reduce NRW to below 20 percent in five years.
Former Selangor Exco in charge of Public Facilities and Infrastructure Abdul Fatah had on 30th October 2006 increased water tariff and during that increase, it was also announced that 42 percent of household users who consumed less than 20 m3 a month will not be affected. Today, the percentage has increased to 45 percent and it seems that the strategy has always been targeted on household users who consumed less than 20 m3 a month.
We need to understand that such measure is only a short term measure. Syabas should be reminded that their long term goal is to provide sustainable water supply to all users in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. One major project under Syabas to be deliberated is the Pahang-Selangor water supply project which was iniated by the previous Selangor State Government. The current Selangor State Government has a huge responsibility to ensure that the project will not pose serious negative impact on the people of Selangor.
The same reminder should also go to household users in Selangor that they should not take things for granted even when the first 20 m3 water will be provided free of charge as this should be seen as a push factor for them to preserve water usage to below 20 m3 every month so that they can enjoy free water supply.
1 comment:
Its interesting to note Syabas has made so much profit. What has Syabas got to say to re-invest its profit to provide quality drinking water. In the west, the people can safely consume from the tap without any worries. Here we hv is murky water and if not like what CM Lim Guan Eng mentioned in Penang lately the concern of high chlorine level.
Syabas should look at its objective as providing social welfare and not as any monopoly entity to make money from the public otherwise Syabas should get listed in the first place like Tenaga or Telekom.
Not long ago, PUAS CEO commented our water is safe to drink when Fong Po Kuan brought the matter of murky water in Selangor. I think we shall challenge him to drink from the tap to prove his comment is right. I will believe him only if his house does not install any water filter. How many men in the street can afford a good water filter priced 3k above? The water filter suppliers are no good but just direct selling companies trying to capitalise on Syabas shortfall.
I think its time our elected ADUNs flex their muscle to check out on how Syabas manage their resources. We don't want to see them getting their hands on the big fat profit by giving perks to the board or as usual changing company cars or declaring dividends.
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