U.N. officials tour Detroit to assess human rights impact of water shutoffs

[unhappycamper]

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/10/u-n-officials-tour-detroit-to-assess-human-rights-impact-of-water-shutoffs/

U.N. officials tour Detroit to assess human rights impact of water shutoffs
Reuters
20 Oct 2014 at 16:31 ET

Two United Nations human rights officials on Monday began touring Detroit to assess the impact of widespread water disconnections on residents in an effort by city officials to shore up some $90 million in overdue bills.

During their three-day visit to Detroit, housing and sanitation experts Leilani Farha and Catarina de Albuquerque are expected to meet with affected residents, civil rights activists and local officials after the U.N. called the shutoffs “an affront to human rights” this summer.

This summer Detroit began to pare down $90 million in overdue bills.

Customers who owe more than $150 or who are 60 days late in payment are in jeopardy of getting their water shutoff, according to the water and sewer department.