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