Paying water tax is a daunting task

Furthermore, the Metro Water Board has not set up adequate number of counters resulting in many residents being neglected by officials. Sources said that during the end of the fiscal year, officials are hectically setting up counters at every nook and corner of the street. However, when people want to pay tax, the officials put them at inconvenience on some pretext or the other. Since many people want to take up a water connection during summer season, the number of counters should be increased. 

“When I approached Metro water depot (No 128) in 10th zone located near Alagirisamy Salai, KK Nagar, adjacent to Padma Seshadri School for paying taxes, the clerk in the counter directed me to go and meet the zonal office concerned,” said NR Narasimhan, a resident of Valasaravakkm. However, payment can be made in any depot, he added.

“To ascertain the fact, I rang up customer grievance number: 45674567. However, the number had no dial tone. Further, I tried to contact some officials and the callers at the end told me that I should contact the District Revenue Officer. When I contacted him, I got a generic reply that he was in a meeting,” the frustrated consumer said and demanded officials to take necessary steps to rectify the lethargy shown by the Metro water staff. 

A Shanmugam, another resident of Aminjikarai, said, “The officials would disconnect the water connection, if we don’t pay the tax. At the same time, they fail to ensure the convenience of customers for a hassle free payment. Further, the officials should provide clear instructions,” he said. 

When contacted by DTNext, a senior official, wishing anonymity, said the tax could be paid anywhere. “However, we will instruct all the staff in the depots to behave properly with customers. We will also take stern action against staff, who do not give proper replies to customers’ queries,” the official warned.