Delinquent and disconnected customers of the National Water Commission (NWC)  reportedly owe the entity over $50 billion. 

But instead of mounting a costly and lengthy legal process to recover the money, the NWC will offer customers a debt reduction amnesty, come January. 

Water Minister Matthew Samuda said the decision to offer the amnesty was not a knee jerk one.

Speaking at yesterday’s Post Cabinet Press Briefing, Samuda explained that the amnesty provides a $6 billion reprieve to vulnerable customers.  

He said, had the NWC taken the matter to court, half of the money would have been taken up in legal fees.

The minister said the initiative demonstrates that the NWC is considerate of challenges customers face, and is willing to work out solutions.