Residents once again feel left out as they pay commercial rates - The Star

April 21, 2008

I REFER to the good move by the Selangor Mentri Besar to give free water for the first 20 cubic metres for landed properties. Unfortunately, once again, condominium dwellers have been left out and discriminated against.

They are charged water at commercial rates via the bulk meters of the management corporation.

The reason given is that there may be some commercial units within a condominium development.

Syabas has agreed to provide water at residential rates if 100% of all units in a condominium agree to have separate meters installed.

This is not a practical offer as it would be hard to get 100% consensus on any issue.

What is so inaccurate if all consumption of water by residential units are deducted from the bulk bill and charged at residential rates while the balance at commercial rates?

Now, with the free 20 cubic metres of water, the total number of residential units multiplied by 20 should fairly be used in the calculation for free water for billing purposes.

Condominium dwellers are also made to bear an unfair burden on assessments levied. Assessments have a higher annual value compared with landed properties.

This translates to a higher assessment quantum but many services like garbage collection, maintenance of roads and roadside plants and streetlighting are not provided by the local authority but by the dwellers through the payment of maintenance fees.

This means condominium dwellers pay twice for such services. It would be more equitable that the assessment calculations be reviewed to take into account this reality.

This is becoming increasingly important as more and more homes will be in condominiums and gated communities.

The authorities should review the method of computing assessments and Syabas should be compelled to review its billing policy for condominium dwellers.

ZHANG C G

Petaling Jaya