A. M. 
The deputies of the Legislative Assembly approved, with 58 votes, a transitory provision that allows the remission of interest and surcharges for arrears in the payment of potable water and sewage services.
The measure includes the total elimination of debts on properties that were usurped by gangs and recovered by their legitimate owners, thanks to the implementation of the Plan Control Territorial. In addition, it contemplates the cancellation of interest for the rest of the population.
During the analysis of this initiative, the president of the Administración Nacional de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (ANDA), Jorge Castaneda, clarified that there will be no increases in potable water rates. He said that the proposal, promoted by the Nuevas Ideas party, is an amnesty aimed at alleviating the economic burdens of users.
Deputy Christian Guevara explained that in the cases of homes recovered through governmental security strategies, interest, surcharges and reconnection costs will be waived. This benefit will apply to families that have returned to their homes and require the reactivation of the potable water service.
“We estimate that between 5,000 and 50,000 families will benefit from this transitory provision. It is a way to repair some of the suffering that salvadoran families experienced during the years when the country was besieged by gangs”, said Guevara.
Requirements for recovered homes
To access this benefit, the owners must present a proof that they have denounced the usurpation of the property to the authorities. If they do not have this document, they must submit an affidavit with the necessary grounds to demonstrate the situation of their home.
ANDA will verify the condition of each property by means of a code integrated in its institutional databases, guaranteeing the transparency of the process.
Extension of benefits
The measure also includes the general population. Individuals, companies and state institutions may be exempted from paying interest on late payments. Currently, ANDA has more than 92,000 accounts in arrears, with a total debt of US$71 million.
“The decree allows users with more than 60 days in arrears to catch up. They will be able to cancel the entire debt or take advantage of a payment plan with an initial payment of 10%”, said Guevara.
