I feel sorry for the limited income groups: When each time one of them buys a paper, he or she reads a statement on a possible increase in some utility tariffs. The financial position of these individuals does not support such increases even it they turn out to be jokes. The minister of water who recently said there were no current plans for raising water tariffs should know that these kinds of statements are not at all reassuring. Many departments in the past have made similar assurances only to forget them a short time later and do exactly what they assured the public they would not do. The minister should also know that when it comes to water, nothing is different.

Staying away from the Kingdom for many years in London as our ambassador to Britain may not have allowed him to be aware of what was going on in a city where water is still transported by trucks to many of its neighborhoods.

The Water Department is indeed indebted to the majority of consumers, especially those living in low-income neighborhoods. These people have to spend large sums buying water from other sources each time the department fails to solve the problem of water shortages. At certain times they have been forced to pay up to SR1,800 for a tanker. In other words they spend in a week the amount that should have bought them water for 20 years. I hope my figures will not be used to justify an increase in the tariff.

The department is also indebted to those who have to pay extra amounts as a result of incorrect readings or faulty meters. Despite promises of refunds, the wronged individuals never see their money.

These consumers should not be blamed for shortages simply because they have no gardens to water, no swimming pools to fill and no pumps to suck water from the mains.

So when talking about reducing water consumption, priorities should be clearly defined and should begin with those whose consumption far exceeds their actual needs.

Before considering an increase in the present tariff, we should begin by raising the rate from zero to the current rate for those who enjoy abundant water while paying nothing.

A commodity taken for granted can only encourage misuse. If we succeed in addressing the root causes behind water mismanagement, there will be no need to increase the tariff. We would then offer the minister our sincere congratulations for so outstanding an achievement.

9 November 2002