MARGAO
Congress leader Elvis Gomes has said that a case study done regarding the Independence Day announcement of free water of 16000 litres revealed that it was a gimmick that would not result in any substantial benefit to households.
Gomes said that in the midst of the pandemic around six months ago, the BJP government had already effected a steep hike in water rates by over 70 per cent with a 100 per cent increase in inspection charges of water connection and septic tank connection.
He said that in a scenario where an average household would be using 27 units (1 unit = 1000L), the benefits of free water would not be more than a mere Rs 61 and added that the need of the hour was to provide jobs to at least one member in every household to avert poverty crisis that was engulfing the people of Goa due to pandemic. “Let the truth be told about the announcement of 16000 litres of free water”, he demanded.
Considering a household with an average per day consumption of 35 buckets of 25 litres each, ie 35×25 lts = 875lts... say 900 lts, he said it would be consuming 27units (900 x 30 days). “Before the increase in tariff 6 months ago, the bill would amount to Rs146. After increase it went up to Rs 256. Now with 16 units free, the bill will amount to Rs 195 thus giving a marginal relief of a mere Rs 61”, said Gomes displaying detailed working on an average consumption of 27 units.
He further added that even assuming that the CM had the best of intentions, such empty promises showed that he lacked good advisers in such matters.
