KWSB takes back notice to Fatima Jinnah’s residence

KARACHI: Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) says no consumer is exempt from payment and that the residence of the late Fatima Jinnah — Flag Staff House Museum — has paid Rs75,000 and assured of clearing the outstanding amount following which the notice has been taken back.It said all national personalities were respectable for the organisation; however, no one was exempt from paying bills.The board further said as per law it was its responsibility to bill the consumers. It said exemption from paying the water bill needed an amendment to the law.

“No officer enjoys the prerogative to excuse someone from paying the bill, as the organisation also regularly receives bills from all the mosques, Imambargahs, churches and other worship places of the city.”

Deputy Managing Director Resource Revenue Generation of Karachi Water and Sewerage Board Muhammad Aslam Khan said under the Act bills for provision of water and sewerage services were received from all the institutions and residential and commercial units.

He said the Management Board of the Quaid’s Mausoleum paid bills regularly in addition to the Governor’s House and the CM House.Khan said the government also allocates amounts in the budget for payment of utility bills. He said Fatima Jinnah House came under the PWD.“They were sent a notice of Rs245,000 out of which Rs75,000 has already been paid. The organisation has been assured of paying the remaining amount in writing.”