Even before moving into their new homes, hundreds of homebuyers of Zara Avaas affordable housing project in Sector 104 have been asked to pay water consumption charges by the developer. They met the Gurgaon deputy commissioner as well as senior GMDA officials on Thursday seeking their intervention in resolving the issue.
The homebuyers claimed to have already paid in advance water charges for one year at the time of possession in January this year. But the developer has sent a demand notice to around 800 flat owners for water consumption charges, despite only 100 families having moved in, they said.
“We have given a written complaint to the authorities, seeking intervention. The builder has taken an advance Rs 5,000 from each flat owner for water supply for one year. But he has raised a monthly demand of Rs 3,000 from each flat owner and threatened to stop water supply if the payment is not made within a week,” said Ankur Singhal, a buyer.
“There were 40 families in first two months, and around 60 more families moved in two months later. How can these 100 families consume 35 lakh litres of water in less than six months,” questioned another resident.
As per norms, the builder has to arrange water supply within 15 days of getting the occupation certificate. But the project is yet to get regular supply from GMDA. The possession was offered some six months back. Another resident, Ved Prakash said he took possession in January but was yet to move in. “Why should we pay any extra amount for the water when we did not use the same. However, I have already deposited Rs 6,000 for water charges,” he said.
A spokesperson for Zara Avaas said, “We are in the process of getting water connection and it is expected in a month. Also Rs 5,000 is for municipal water charges for a year, and Rs 3,000 is for outsourcing of services.”
A senior GMDA official said that the matter will be discussed.
