Activists to UN - Pay Detroit's Water Bills

LINK /


The water company in Detroit says half of its customers are not paying its bills, depite programs out there for people unable to pay its bills.

They have also noted the curious phenomenon of people being unable to pay the bills until the second the water gets shut off, at which time the balance is completely paid off.

quote:

---

It’s a basic human right: water. But could the United Nations soon help the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department provide the service to struggling customers?

Water department spokeswoman Curtrise Garner says it’s a possibility — but for now, the water bills must be paid.

“We do have programs that do help those that are just totally in need; can’t afford it — but we also know that there are also people who can’t afford it would can not pay and we know this because, once we shut water off, the next day they are in paying the bill in full. So we do know that that has become a habit as well,” said Garner.

“At the DWAS Department — it’s not our goal to shut off water. We want people’s water on, just like they do; but you do have to pay for your water…That’s the bottom line.”

Garner said the reality is that nearly half of Detroit Water and Sewerage customers can’t pay their bills and that has led activists to lobby the UN to step up and take action.

---