CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939 — Page 100

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APPENDIX III

COST OF HOME JA ACCOUNTS

If all accounts are placed on a monthly basis and all

water paid for (i.e. the "free allowance" is abolished) the

number of accounts issued monthly will increase from 6,000 to

25,000, on the basis of the existing number of meters.

Obviously there will be a further increase in so far as separate

metering of floors is adopted. Ignoring the latter, i.e.

assuming the present number o.. meters, it is estimated that

staff increases would be required in the Water Department and Treasury costing $14,000 per annum and $5,000 per annum respect-

ively; and that non-recurrent expenditure would be required on

additional cash registers in the Treasury to the extent of

approximately $15,000. Practically the whole of these increased

charges would be attributable to the adoption of monthly

accounts, as the new basis of care, While involving the issue

of accounts to more consumers will simplify the making out of

accounts owing to the abolition of the "free allowance".

Additional office accommcstion world also be necessary

eventually and it would probabl-s desirable to establish a

branch office in Kowloon (whica mi, at also be useful for other

revenue collection work). It is, however, impossible to estimate

the cost of this with any accuracy. The extent of the additional

accommodation required must depend on how far separate metering of floors is adopted.

It may be put briefly that une cost of the universal monthly accounts is not likely le less than $20,000 per annum

and may well be much more.

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