DPSU Secretary Calls for Salary & Water Rate Reviews in Dominica

On the emerald isle of Dominica, the discourse over water rates and salary assessments has reached a new high. The General Secretary of the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU), Thomas Letang, has made a compelling case for a simultaneous review of pay scales in both the private and public sectors, coinciding with the proposed increase in water rates by the Dominica Water and Sewerage Company Limited (DOWASCO).

A Call for Equitable Salary Reviews

Letang’s call for a comprehensive salary review is driven by the need to enable consumers to cope with the higher water rates. He noted that it has been a considerable amount of time since the minimum wage was last reviewed, suggesting that it should be addressed every three years, a recommendation proposed by a committee. The last review, he insinuated, might not reflect current economic conditions and living costs.

DOWASCO’s Infrastructure Challenges

In response to the call for increased water rates, DOWASCO’s General Manager Bernard Ettinoffe highlighted the unsustainability of current low water rates. The utility company is grappling with challenges in maintaining the water supply infrastructure, a task made more difficult by the high costs involved in water distribution in Dominica, further exacerbated by the recurrent natural disasters. The proposed rate increase, Ettinoffe argues, is a necessary measure to ensure the continuity and quality of water services.

A Safety Net for the Vulnerable

In his advocacy, Letang also proposed the establishment of a safety net for those unable to pay the increased rates. He suggests that the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) funds could be utilized to provide assistance. This measure, he believes, would ensure that the most vulnerable sections of the population are not left without access to water, a fundamental human right.

The situation in Dominica echoes a larger, global conversation about the balance between infrastructure development and affordability. As the dialogue continues, the world watches the tropical paradise grapple with its unique challenges, and awaits the outcomes of this pivotal debate.