KARACHI, Sept 18: Sindh Chief Secretary Dr. Mutawakkil Kazi has directed the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board to issue bills to bulk water supply consumers and not to supply water to such consumers without meters.

He said meters provided to such consumers, including KPT, be checked and repair of defective meters be ensured, or else the responsibility of defective performance would lay on the KWSB.

He stated this at a meeting which examined certain objections between KPT and KWSB on billing of water supplied. The meeting also exchanged views on water tariff.

The chief secretary made it clear that consumers have no authority to fix the rate and, therefore, KPT should review its viewpoint and ensure payment of dues as per fixed tariff.

He urged the KWSB to also install electronic instruments, along with the meters so that any error in the billing could be corrected.

He said all bulk consumers, including KPT, should make timely payment so that the issue of arrears may not arise.

He said he would pay surprise visits to check the schedule of water supply to areas where water is being supplied continuously for 12 hours and would also check the meters.

Dr. Kazi called for immediate check on leakage of water and in future only quality pipelines be laid so that water does not go waste.

He said the consumers should not feel hesitation in the use of water as per requirement. However, they are also supposed to take steps for repair of leakages and taps.

The meeting was informed that as a result of implementation of K-III project, 24-hour water supply could be ensured.—APP