IT is interesting to see the GWI implementing a policy of disconnecting water supply to consumers whose payments are in arrears. The policy should certainly bring positive results especially from businesses and corporations. However, if the policy is applied ‘across the board’ and in a high-handed manner as seems to be projected in the television releases, it can also have negative or undesirable consequences for the government since the majority of ordinary people will be adversely affected.

It will be the most effective way of ensuring that the government lose popular support and adversely affect their chances of success in this upcoming local government elections (which includes the six municipalities) since the disconnections and resulting hardships will be happening under their watch.

The government should take note of the potential political fallouts and the Minister of Housing & Water should consider if the GWI’s disconnection campaign should not be restricted to corporations, businesses and large consumers of water, and to other habitual non-payers with arrears outstanding for long periods.

Another danger which should not be overlooked is the potential of increased breakage of water mains everywhere, if the ordinary poorer segments of society are seriously affected.

Providing water to the people is the most important utility service in any society and the management of GWI must necessarily display a great sense of social responsibility in the operation of their business.