What could possibly go wrong............Kevyn Orr Hands Over Water Department to Mayor Duggan

Kevyn Orr Hands Over Water Department to Mayor Duggan  –  Deadline Detroit:

At a time when the water department is under attack for shutting off service, Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr is handing over the responsibility of running it to Mayor Mike Duggan.

The order came Tuesday.
Under the order, Duggan will manage the utility and make appointments to the Board of Water Commissioners.

“This order provides additional clarity to the powers already delegated to the Mayor,” Orr said in a statement. “As the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department works to operate more efficiently and communicate more effectively with customers, it is important to ensure there are clear lines of management and accountability."

Duggan welcomed the move.

"I welcome the Emergency Manager's order this morning giving me the responsibility for dealing with the Water Department issues," he said in a statement "We need to change a number of things in the way we have approached the delinquent payment issues and I expect us to have a new plan shortly.  There are funds available to support those who cannot afford their bills - we need to do a much better job in community outreach to tell our residents how to access those funds."

Duggan also welcomes the day that he takes over all the operations of the city.

"I've heard complaints from many Detroiters who are trying to make payment arrangements, but who have faced long waits on the telephone or long lines at the DWSD offices.  We've got to do a much better job of supporting those who are trying to do the right thing in making those payment arrangements. . . .

"We will be developing a plan that allows those who are truly needy to access financial help."