by Heather Hauswirth

Guam - The Guam Waterworks Authority is excited about the passage of the System Development Charge that was eight years in the making. GWA Spokesperson Heidi Ballendorf says the charge helps ensure the agency can handle the influx in population and new growth.

"We finally did it," said Ballendorf. "It's good for the community because it is going to make the new people coming online into the system pay for them to come into the system. Existing ratepayers are not going to pay when a new person wants to come into the system. They shouldn't have to bear that burden."

Those who will have to bear the burden are those who want to build a home, hotel or condo unit. The money will be put into a special account that goes toward upgrading water pressure in the areas where that particular home or condo is built.

The SDC will take effect for new customers beginning March 1.