Letter: There are “gaps” in water bill reporting

Dear Editor, On the proposed water charges: the subject of Ruta Mave’s article (15 July); and the subsequent response from the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (letter, 19 July).

The June 2024 tariff report includes financial statements, tables, charts, and spreadsheets. Interpreting this information requires patience.
Crucially, the water volume and revenue forecasts appear to be incorrect. There are holes in the tariff report.

The revenues that water authorities expect from growers, farmers and floriculturists must be reduced.

Since 2000, land use has changed: from agricultural land to infill housing and tourist accommodation.

The 2014 AECOM report estimated 921 users. Tatou Vai (TTV) estimated 375 agricultural accounts. Data from the latest agricultural census is not yet available.
The tariff report shows that the Ministry of Agriculture pays $1.52 million for the maintenance of Rarotonga’s water system. According to TTV, after deducting monthly meter charges, the 85 cent tariff only brings in a return of $581,000. This results in a shortfall of nearly $850,000 per year.
It would be unwise for the TTV board to set its course based solely on the tariff report.

Natural Irish Cookies

Cook Islands Organic Movement