Two more local apartment complexes face water cut off by Shreveport's Department of Water & Sewage (DOWUS) due to very large delinquent bills. Tenants have received notice from DOWUS of the soon to be cut-off--but no date indicated.
These complexes have master water meters--which means the tenants do not have individual meters. These complexes provide water to the tenants as part of the rent payments and the complex is billed for the water.
On KEEL radio this week Mayor Arceneaux acknowledged the dilemma: either DOWUS continues to lose money by providing water or the tenants lose water in their apartments. No water causes major sanitation problems with no working commodes, no bathing, hydration, cooking , etc.
Mayor Arceneaux advised that he hopes to have a plan in effect by this Friday to address the conflicting priorities of fiscal responsibility for DOWUS versus humanitarian assistance to Shreveport residents. Assistance provided by the City --be that in the form of on-site portlets, water distribution, or otherwise--brings up additional issues such as the source of funding, establishing a precedent for future water cut-offs, etc.
The Arceneaux has addressed many unprecedented challenges in its first two years. Add this one to the list. To date Mayor Tom and CAO Tom have pulled many rabbits out of their hats, so get ready for the next magic feat that may need to be repeated during in coming months.