Dear Claudienne,

I live in Red Hills and am a frustrated citizen asking for your help in getting the National Water Commission (NWC) to provide water to my home. I have been having serious challenges getting running water in the pipes at home for over two years. After some maintenance work was done, there was an issue that resulted in a few persons, including myself not getting water for months. It took the NWC over a year to resolve this issue and water was returned in full force for about two days. Since then, there has not been a single drop in the pipes because of the low pressure. And the fact that my house is on a grade does not help. Kindly note that my bills are paid up to date.

There was a time when the bills were really high and they told me to check for leaks which I did. Sometimes I have to open the line near the main in order to get water. The NWC employees in the area are aware of the problem and I have complained bitterly, when they come to read the meter. At one point I stopped paying the bills and the NWC told me that I am billed for customer service whether I get water or not. I paid my bill of nearly $30,000.00 in June 2020 because I started requesting trucked water and was told that it would not be delivered because of an outstanding amount owed on my account. I paid the bill as I desperately needed the water but paying did not help; I still did not get any water.

On June 6, 2020, June 9, 2020 and July 15, 2020, I sent e-mail to their customercare@nwc.com.jm. These were acknowledged on November 11, 2020. I sent another on March 11, 2021 and a few after. I have many reference numbers because in addition to the e-mail, I have made several calls. I replied to an e-mail asking if I had got any water and still nothing. After paying my outstanding bill (and by the way my last payment of $2,150.00 was made on Monday, May 9, 2022, one day before the due date.) I was told that they had escalated my request and that the water delivery is based on availability of a truck. My children were at home for months without adequate water supply. The situation is depressing because this has affected my ability to get basic chores done.

I recently got a telephone call from a representative at NWC who wanted to know what the problem was. I told her that they needed to increase the level of the pressure when the water was turned on and she promised to send someone to investigate. I am still waiting.

I am seeking your assistance in finding out when there will be an improvement in the situation.

KW

Dear KW,

Tell Claudienne contacted the NWC and notes that a customer representative has spoken to you and arranged for a truck to supply you with water. The NWC said that they are assessing the situation and are actively working to find a solution.

Please let us know how the matter proceeds and if you need any further assistance.

We wish you all the best.

Have a problem with a store, utility, a company? Telephone 876-936-9436 or Cell # 876-484-1349 or write to: Tell Claudienne c/o Sunday Finance, Jamaica Observer, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5; or e-mail:edwardsc@jamaicaobserver.com. Please include a contact phone number.