19 February 2009

Right to Water
Press Statement
For immediate release

Kapiti Council’s Water Decision Undemocratic And Wrong

Kapiti Coast District Council’s vote for installation of water meters
throughout the region is undemocratic and wrong, says Right to Water.

Local protest at the inclusion of water meters and volumetric charging
in the Council’s long term community plan meant meters became a key
issue in the 2007 Kapiti Council elections. Several candidates stood on
anti-meter tickets and the Council voted unanimously against meters late
last year. Last Friday the council about turned and voted to install
meters.

“To reneg on that decision just a few months later proves those
councillors were simply vote chasing. They have shown no real commitment
to representing their constituents and no real concern at the social
inequity that metering would create”, says Right to Water spokesperson
Maria McMillan.

“Charging people for water will increase hardship. No-one can live
without water so no-one will be able to avoid payment. As we head deeper
into economic recession and with people already worried about getting
through, a water charging policy is inexcusable,” said Ms McMillan.

“Residential water supply is a core function of council. The council
should be taking responsibility for its effective and equitable
management. It should not be fobbing off residents with a user-pays
system,” she said.

ENDS

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