Metrowater tax collection sees a surge

Wednesday, 13 July 2016 11:17 administrator
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The Hindu     13.07.2016 

Metrowater tax collection sees a surge

Chennai Metrowater has collected taxes and charges of Rs. 92.77 crore during the first quarter of this fiscal.

This is nearly 24 per cent more than the amount collected during the same period last year.

While Metrowater is continuing its vigorous collection drive, residents of some added areas, however, raised concern about the quantum of tax and charges collected.

Numbers up

The amount collected is nearly Rs. 17.70 crore more than the Rs. 75.07 crore collected last year during the same months.

Some residents in Officers Colony, Anna Nagar Western Extension complained that the collection centre in Metrowater depot-89 office often remained closed either because of lack of manpower or internet connectivity problems.

V. Padma, a resident, said she had to travel a few kilometres to the Ambattur zone office to pay her water and property tax.

Residents of Ambattur said they delayed applying for new connections fearing higher taxes and connection charges.

S. Raghuraman, a resident, said fresh assessment order provided by Chennai Corporation is being sought for new connections. This has added to the confusion of residents about getting connections.

Tax arrears

In Mogappair West too, residents were concerned about payment of tax arrears.

S. Swaminathan, secretary, JAMBA United Welfare Association (a federation of residents’ welfare associations of the locality), said though the work for a comprehensive drainage network is pending, people are asked to pay water and sewerage tax.

“Instead of insisting on paying tax for previous years, the water agency must seek water tax from the time connections are provided,” he said.

However, sources in Metrowater said water and sewerage tax are being collected in the added areas based on the property tax collected by the Greater Chennai Corporation.

While there may not be changes in the connection charges, water and sewerage tax will be levied according to the property tax levied. Moreover, arrears are also collected based on the period of property tax assessment.

The amount collected is nearly 24 per cent more than what was collected in the same period last year