THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Water Authority has suffered major losses as it could not collect even half the arrears during the Covid period. The KWA, which had set a revenue target of Rs 734 crore for the financial year 2020-21, has so far collected only Rs 263.64 crore (53.87%). Rs 489.36 crore should have been collected till November. At present, the gap between the revenue and expenditure of the Water Authority is Rs 344 crore. Therefore, the Water Authority has issued an MD Circular to intensify revenue collection. The authority will take strict action against those who do not pay their dues, including disconnection.

In the context of Covid, all disconnection proceedings and meter readings were suspended following the lockdown. Readings were resumed three months ago. But very few customers have paid the arrears.

The first step is to disconnect those who have been in arrears for more than six months.

Notice will be given immediately to all non-domestic connections in arrears.

Revenue for 2019-20 (in crores)
Water bill- 542
Nonplan Fund - 313.25
Central Grant - 70
Total - 925.25

Expenditure for 2019-20 (in crores)

Salary - 386
Electricity - 242
Pension - 208
Operating Maintenance - 100
LIC, GPF - 50
Medical - 30
Pension - 100
Participatory Pension - 30
Terminal Surrender, Communication - 100
Office Function - 23

Total 1269 crores

Revenue collection (in percent)

2018-19: 60
2019-20: 63.45