No money even to pay pension in water authority; situation is such that it is impossible not to hike water charges, says Minister Roshy Augustine

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine said the situation is such that it is impossible not to hike the water charges. The minister responded that the charges have been increased in such a way that the people will not face any difficulties.

The minister said that he has not received a single complaint regarding the increase in the charges. 'It is important to be able to provide good service. Availability of water should be ensured. There is no money even to pay pension in the water authority. This has been done in such a way that the people will not face any difficulties,' the minister clarified.

The government approved the water authority's recommendation to increase the water charge by one paise per litre. The increase is one paise per litre for all categories of consumers. With this, the increase will be by Rs 10 per kilolitre (1000 litres).