Authorities at Saturday Market in Chipata have complained over the way Eastern Water and Sewerage Company is deducting money owed whenever they buy water units.
Saturday Market Chairperson, Peter Soko explained to Breeze News that the council had bought water units for two thousand Kwacha and about 1,820 Kwacha was deducted by the water company.
Mr. Soko says the money deducted was too much because it left the market with few water units for 180 kwacha which can only last for few days.
But when contacted for a comment, Eastern Water and Sewerage Company Public Relations Officer, Henry Kashoki defended the company’s move to deduct over 50 percent of the paid amount from their pre-paid customers.
Mr. Kashoki says it is the agreement between the company and prepaid customers to deduct 80 percent of the money whenever they buy units in order to recover the owed amounts.
He however, says the company will have to discuss the issue with Chipata Municipal Council and agree on how best the issue can be addressed.