KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Water Commission (NWC) says 25 delinquent customers with outstanding balances amounting to more than $3 million, were prosecuted during the first quarter of this year.

The utility company explained that the individuals were prosecuted after recovery activities, including routine rechecks of disconnected services, were carried out in the St Catherine, Clarendon and Kingston.

It said four of the 25 individuals opted to settle their balances in a last minute effort to avoid court action, while one woman of a Seaview Gardens address pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay 50 per cent of the sum owed along with a $50,000 fine or six months imprisonment.

Bench warrants were also issued for three residents of Toll Gate in Clarendon.

NWC said the other seventeen persons are currently awaiting available dates for court appearances.

The company urged customers facing challenges in paying their bill to visit the nearest NWC office to make amicable payment arrangement.

It also appealed to persons to desist from connecting illegally to its network.