The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has dismissed Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena’s comment on allowing a grace period of one year to settle water bills. NWSDB General Manager R.H. Ruvinis, speaking to The Sunday Morning, said that the decision of giving the consumer a grace period to settle their bills should be decided by the NWSDB and the Minister in Charge. Therefore, the comment that was made by Minister Dr. Gunawardena on Thursday (11) will not be accepted. “Consumers need not worry about being overcharged. The bills will be made on an average usage cost for the two months that have lapsed. While water meter readings were not taken in the Colombo and Gampaha Districts due to travel restrictions, we have been able to issue monthly water bills to all other districts,” Ruvinis said. Ruvinis further stated that the consumer can send a text message (SMS) mentioning their water account number as indicated on their bill to 0719 399 999 to obtain details of how their bills are calculated. He noted that even if the reading is taken after two months, the bill is to be calculated on the average usage units. “Should a consumer need an explanation, our officers will be more than willing to explain to them how the bill is calculated. Anyone finding it difficult to settle their water bills immediately can contact our area offices and arrange for instalment payments.” By Sarah Hannan