Amnesty for illegal connections

JAKARTA: To reduce illegal water consumption through illegal pipe connections, PT Thames PAM Jaya (TPJ) is holding an amnesty for illegal connections for a month beginning next Monday.

The program is aimed at reaching the owners and users of illegal connections located in TPJ's operational areas in East Jakarta, Central Jakarta and North Jakarta.

TPJ spokeswoman Mia Korompis Dwianto said illegal connections occurred when residents and businesses obtained piped water without first registering with the company.

Illegal connections disadvantaged legal customers because the practice decreased water pressure and forced customers to pay higher prices due to their water being stolen after being recorded on their water meters, she said.

It also caused a loss of income to the water company and the state, while the income was needed to finance further investment to improve and expand services, she said.

During the amnesty, the owners and users of the illegal connections will be given the opportunity to become registered customers without incurring any penalties or fines. --JP