Committee takes up waterworks bill review

The public services special committee of Uruguay's senate has begun reviewing a waterworks regulatory bill submitted in March by the executive, a senate spokesperson told BNamericas. The bill - "Regulacion de los Servicios de Agua Potable y Saneamiento" - outlines the duties and responsibilities of service providers and users, and the role of the recently created energy and waterworks regulator Ursea. The spokesperson said that due to the "public interest" nature of the bill, it should move quickly through the committee and on the full senate for a vote in the coming weeks. Principal objectives include increasing sector transparency and efficiency by bringing together related legislation; strengthening the process of drafting standards to reach adequate service quality and efficiency levels; and ensure that infrastructure is appropriately operated and maintained. The bill also would establish a subsidy system for low-income users, while in regard to dispute resolution, Ursea would be brought in to arbitrate. Ursea will also be tasked with carrying out a survey of all waterworks providers to ensure they understand and carry out the law's mandate.