FUJAIRAH // Residents have been granted at least a year to repay backdated sewage fees, Fujairah Municipality said, after many were landed with bills running into thousands of dirhams.
In a surprise move, the municipality imposed full charges dating back to 2008 after a "management problem" meant bills were not issued for that period.
The action left many unable to meet the charges. But the municipality has now pledged to look at each bill on a case-by-case basis, said Mohamed al Afkham, the general manager.
"We are trying to find a solution and a way out," he said. "We are trying to see how we can sort this issue in a better way. It's a private company and they have done their work and done their calculation to get their money back.
"We are recalculating things and trying to be more logical with the clients. They were not billed for two years because there was some management problem."
Tanqia, the emirate's sewage treatment plant, began service in 2008 and billed the municipality in February 2009 after it was fully operational. "As a company we issue one invoice to the municipality," said Sami Mowaswes, the Tanqia chief executive. "We have no connection with the public. The municipality issues the invoices."
Residents and businessmen who did not receive their first bills until June last year were outraged. Abdulla al Naqbai, who owns the Al Saher shisha cafe and rents its premises, said he was charged more than Dh8,000 on his first bill.
"It was a surprise," he said. "Do you think it's fair for people who rent to pay? The government should pay the whole cost and after that they can slowly take it from the people over time. Like for electricity, you pay for your use per month, you don't pay for the whole project."
Those on low incomes will have some respite, however, after Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, said he would cover their costs.
