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Baku and Sumgait might be left without water -UPDATED

Baku and Sumgait might be left without water -<font color=red>UPDATED </font>

11 December 2008 15:36 (UTC +04:00)

The power cut will create problems with pumping drinking and technical water to customers in Baku and Sumgait, two largest cities of the country.
As at December 1, Azersuâ€™s accrued debts stood at AZN 46.416 million and unpaid electricity bills for the 11 months of this year made AZN 8.471 million, said Sumgait Power Networks.
â€œThere has been no action for the payment of debts although warnings and notices were sent to Azersu and its subordinate bodies. With this in mind, power supply to Azersuâ€™s water pumping stations will be cut off at 03.00 pm on Dec. 18. And, Azersu will bear the responsibility for the expected water supply cut in Baku and Sumgait,â€ said the company.
Azersu told APA-Economics that AZN 3.4 million was paid to Sumgait Power Networks during 11 months this year, up 2.9 times on last year.
The company said electricity bill collection rate increased to 28.2% in 2008 from 10.5% last year.
In addition, Azersu said monthly bill payment rate was gradually increased to AZN 400 000 a month.
â€œWith the implementation of a plan of action, the bill payment rate will further increase,â€ said the company.
Azersu attributed incomplete payment of electricity arrears to low bill collection rate for water and sewer bill from its customers, especially population.