It has been revealed that arrears to be paid to the National Water Supply and Drainage Board by all consumers including households, commercial establishments, state institutions, and schools as of April 2022 is approximately Rs.7.5 billion.
The matter was confirmed during a progress review meeting of the Ministry of Water Supply which was held under the auspices of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the President’s House in Colombo yesterday.
During the meeting, a decision was also reached to complete the work on large and small-scale water projects that are in the final stages of construction and to declare them open to the public promptly.
The President’s Media Division said a decision was also taken to resolve existing issues regarding such projects at the earliest.
Meanwhile, President Rajapaksa reviewed the progress of on-going water projects supported through local and foreign funds.
The urgent need to amend the National Water Supply and Drainage Board Act, and the adoption of the Department of National Community Water Supply Act were also discussed.
The PMD said during the meeting, it was also decided to minimise the damages caused to the environment due to large scale tube wells operating for commercial purposes, to conduct a complete census pertaining tube wells and agricultural wells, and to formulate necessary plans to conserve groundwater.
