Tuesday October 15, 2013
The General Manager
Barbados Water Authority
Manor Lodge Complex
Green Hill
SAINT MICHAEL
Dear Sir
RE: Excessive Water Pressure Bearing down on Plumbing Systems of Households in Lower Carlton, Saint James
I write this letter on behalf of some of my constituents resident in Lower Carlton, Saint James.
These constituents, who include Messrs. Adolf Mayers, Corey McClean, Michael Joseph, Ellerton Collymore and Glenroy Bacchus as well as Misses Carmen McClean, Arlene McClean, Ria Harris and Ione Drakes, have briefed me on the issue of an extremely serious water pressure problem which is impacting negatively on their water bills and on the integrity of respective plumbing systems and homes.
My constituents inform that their district is plagued by severe water pressure on the plumbing systems in their homes. The problem has been particularly accentuated within the last year. This problem has continued in spite of your organization placing water pressure valves on some of the water meters in the area and in spite of constant repairs by respective homeowners to their plumbing systems.
My constituents have been advised by their respective plumbers that the fault lies squarely and comprehensively with your Authority. It may be related to some defect concerning the pumping station which serves the district.
I myself have noticed water flowing, presumably from some burst pipes down the main road along the stretch commencing from just above the Anglican Church Rectory, on many occasions when I travel through the district.
This situation has resulted in an astronomical increase in the monthly water bills of these customers. Furthermore, they have had to pay huge plumbing repair costs in addition to repair or replacement costs of fridges and washing machines. Furthermore, there invariably exists water damage to and cracks in their houses.
My immediate request is for the BWA to thoroughly and concertedly investigate this issue with the objective of having this dire situation solved in the very near future. My second comment is that I have advised my constituents that they have a prima facie case against your organization to recover monetary compensation for their respective losses and for reimbursement of the excessive payment which they have made to it over and above what they used to be charged before this problem magnified itself.
I look forward to hearing from you within twenty-one days of the date of this letter outlining a strategy leading towards a solution of this serious circumstance.
Yours faithfully,
_______________________________
Edmund G. Hinkson, M.P.
Member of Parliament for St. James North
cc. The Residents of Lower Carlton, Saint James