PESHAWAR: The hike in water fees was rejected by the local business community as they asked the authorities to reject the idea without “rationalizing” the price for commercial users in the provincial capital.
According to the sources, the representatives of trade associations argued during a meeting that the hike in water charges being advertised in the media was out of the reach of the general public.
Mohammad Ishaq, the president of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), presided over the meeting, which was also attended by senior vice-president Shahid Hussain and vice-president Ejaz Khan Afridi.
The projected water tariffs hiked for various industries and enterprises, according to Mr. Ishaq, should be rationalized as they are unreasonable.
In addition to wedding halls, restaurants, public bathrooms, filling stations, and educational institutions being added to the list of businesses subject to these exorbitant fees.
The head of SCCI stated that the country’s economy was in danger of failing and to increase economic and commercial activity, he requested that the government give the business sector better resources and assistance.
Besides, several agencies levy excessive and unreasonable taxes on businesses, trade centers, hotels and restaurants, wedding venues, and other industries, most of which fall under the category of double taxation, he said.
