WSSP and Peshawar Administration Crack Down on Utility Bill Defaulters

Water Supply and Sanitation Peshawar (WSSP) and district administration Peshawar are set to crack down on defaulters of utility bills, with a staggering Rs.1.5 billion in outstanding payments. The operation will begin with notices served to defaulters, urging them to settle their water bills and clear any dues. Failure to comply will result in actions under the KP Local Government Act.

Under the guidance of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Peshawar, a meeting was convened with the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) and other officials to finalize the crackdown. Zonal Offices of WSSP and Directors East & West of the Capital Metropolitan Government Peshawar are issuing signed notices to defaulters, alongside launching an awareness campaign.

Religious figures like Khateebs and prayer leaders are being engaged to spread awareness, while local elected representatives are being involved to encourage bill payments. WSSP, facing financial strain, aims to improve its services by addressing the issue of non-payment.

With over 89,000 registered consumers, only 21,000 are consistently paying bills. The remaining 68,000 are either defaulters or irregular payers, including 24,000 who have never paid and 44,000 who pay partially. The arrears amount to Rs.1.48 billion, with Rs.700 million owed by non-paying consumers and Rs.780 million by irregular payers.

The crackdown's objective is to alleviate WSSP's financial challenges, enhance service quality, and ensure sustainable operations.