Beggs fights for reduce water charges

The UUP man said had been contacted by a number of people who had waited more than 12 months for a meter to be fitted in their properties. In response, Mr Beggs wrote to NI Water and raised the issue with the company at a public accounts committee hearing.

Speaking to NIW chief executive Lawrence MacKenzie at the meeting, Mr Beggs said: “I recently received a letter from a business in my constituency that had contacted you over a year ago requesting that a water meter be installed. That business is not a big water user, yet it is paying large water bills that are based on the rateable value of its property. It was told that the meter could be installed in around a year’s time, yet recently, it has been told that nothing is on the horizon. How would you ensure businesses that are not heavy water users are going to survive and are not going to get disproportionate water rates? When will they get water meters so that they will be charged for the water that they use?”

In response, Mr MacKenzie said: “If any member has a constituent who is concerned that we are being slow, they can come to me, and I will make sure the matter is pushed forward. I would say that a commercial business should not have to wait more than three months to have a metre installed.”

Mr Beggs said he welcomed the chief executive’s indication and added: “If any business is having the same problem with having a water meter installed, do not hesitate to contact me or my team on 028 2827 3258.”