Water surcharges no solution: group‘BETTER OPTIONS’: The chairman of the Third Wednesday Club said the measure would add to manufacturers’ costs, contrary to the government’s aim of attracting investmentBy Crystal Hsu / Staff reporterA major trade group yesterday called on the government to use water surcharges only as a last resort to encourage water conservation, saying that the measure would not resolve ongoing water shortages and would increase corporate operating costs. As Taiwan faces its worst shortage in 56 years, government officials have revived talks about imposing water surcharges on heavy water users — namely manufacturers of electronics, and steel and textile products, as well as dyeing and finishing service providers. 2 contract laptop maker, said that electronics firms, especially semiconductor makers, are heavy water users and are concerned that the shortage might affect their production. Water surcharges would not help increase the nation’s water supply, but would add to manufacturers’ production costs, running contrary to the government’s efforts to attract investment, he said. The trade group also said that it wants to visit Japan and China toward the end of this year.

Source: Taipei Times March 17, 2021 15:56 UTC