Soon, pay CMWSSB connection charges in instalments

A few days ago, the Metro Water officials held a meeting with Chennai Corporation officials to discuss and coordinate the implementation of the scheme. The scheme is named ‘Illam Thorum Metro Water’ (Metro Water to every household).

According to a source, water and sewerage connections would be provided to the houses within 48 hours after filing applications. “As road cut permissions should be issued by the Chennai Corporation, we have discussed expediting the process,” the source added.

It is learnt that a proposal of the scheme has been sent to the government and the Metro Water is expecting the government’s nod next week.

Once the scheme is implemented, connections would be provided without collecting connection charges and IDC (infrastructure development charges) while sending applications. The building owners could pay the charges on a monthly instalment basis.

Presently, the Metrowater collects connections charges based on the number of dwelling units in new buildings. For one residential dwelling unit, water and sewage charge is around Rs 15,000. On the other hand, IDC charges are calculated based on the value of the property.

As against more than 12 lakh buildings in the city, Metro Water had provided water and sewage connections only to around 6.5 lakh buildings. A building owner in Korattur said that he had to pay Rs 1.30 lakh to get Metrowater connection to his building with 6 dwelling units.

“In areas like Ambattur, several new buildings have come up but only 60 to 65 per cent of the buildings have availed Metro Water connections. Many shy away from getting connections due to the higher charges. We have been requesting the government to introduce an instalment system,” S Suresh, United Welfare Association of Ambattur, said.