THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The water authority has directed to freeze the order which restricted the payment facility of drinking water bills up to Rs 500 through cash counter and online payment only to domestic users. The officials explained that this decision was taken as it was noticed that the reform was causing difficulties for the people.

Henceforth, domestic, non-domestic and industrial customers can pay their bill through cash counter and online. The water authority board meeting held on November 5 took such a decision as part of promoting online transactions. The Water Authority MD directed that the order issued in January remains freeze until further orders and also instructed to continue as they were before the January order.