Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Davis refuted reports in a local morning daily of a rise in water rates at the Water & Sewerage Corporation (WSC) on Monday.  The report also claimed the WSC intended to place a tax on private wells.

In a recorded message from New York where Mr. Davis is attending the United Nations General Assembly he said the report “has caused Bahamians to believe that the government has taken some decision to increase water prices that is absolutely not true.  There is no intention of government to raise water rates at any time,”

The Prime Minister added, “nor will we be taxing wells.  In fact, the recommendations have been made for many, many years for the taxing of wells dating back to the Pindling administration and the increasing of water rates dating back to the Pindling administration.  We do not intend to do either, tax wells or raise water rates.”

Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for the Water & Sewerage Corporation also refuted the claims in the report.  He said that recommendations are in the preliminary phases.