March 12, 2020 | From City of New Orleans
City of New Orleans Working With Utilities Providers to Ensure Efficient Service Delivery in Response to COVID-19 Emergency
NEW ORLEANS — Today, the City of New Orleans announced that it is working with power, water and telecommunications utility providers to ensure efficient and uninterrupted service to residents, especially during the response to COVID-19. Mayor LaToya Cantrell's Office of Utilities is taking proactive steps to ensure that these essential utility services remain uninterrupted for residents, businesses and visitors, especially as they adjust their daily schedules to the emergency.
"The Mayor's Office is working with our utility providers to ensure that they have crisis-response plans in place, so that their employees are safe and service can be provided without interruption. It is also essential that these companies put in place policies that ensure ongoing access to essential services and not further disrupt our daily lives and ability to adequately respond to health-related issues," said Jonathan Rhodes, Director of the Office of Utilities. " We are also coordinating with telecommunication providers and technology experts to make sure that government services are not limited during the response, and to provide people with opportunities to access government remotely as needed."
To help ensure residents have continual access to clean water during the COVID-19 emergency, the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) will not be turning off water service to customers until Emergency Declaration for the City of New Orleans is lifted. SWBNO is evaluating its plans to address the circumstances of customers currently without water service. Customers can still pay online or by phone. The City continues to explore additional strategies to ensure that that residents may maintain access to vital utilities throughout the response.
"There is nothing more important to us than ensuring that we are keeping our city healthy. Thoroughly washing hands is the main defense to combat COVID-19 and we want to ensure that all of our residents have access to clean water,” said Ghassan Korban, Executive Director, SWBNO.
The City and Entergy New Orleans have developed a Priority Response Plan that ensures the most critical infrastructure, such as public safety, healthcare facilities and nursing homes, are being prioritized in the event of emergency. The City's telecom partners have confirmed that their capacity to manage data and Internet services will not be compromised by COVID-19. Residents, businesses and government agencies will continue to be able to access online resources.
"It's critically important to ensure that people who face additional financial burdens during this crisis, don't have the added stress of losing basic necessities like water and power. Equally as important to continue work and education is internet availability; this service should not be disrupted and we should find ways to increase access. This is a common-sense and fair approach to take care of the people of New Orleans." said Helena Moreno, City Council President.
"These services are critical so that our children can continue their studies and learn remotely, and as NOLA Public Schools has announced they are preparing to do if needed. It is also vital that families are able to wash hands and clothes as recommended by public health officials. Access to the most basic needs is of utmost importance as we work to curb the proliferation of this virus. Together, we can fight this pandemic and bounce back as New Orleanians always do!" said Jason Williams, City Council Vice President.
“As discussed with the Mayor and SWBNO, it is important to let the public know the sewer, water, and drainage systems remain a top priority. I applaud the steps SWBNO has publicly announced to protect ratepayers while the Mayor’s emergency order remains in effect.” said Joe Giarrusso, City Councilmember, District A.
"We are intentional in doing all that we can do to lessen the burden of this crisis. We know that there will be a tremendous amount of pressure on our citizens, giving them one less thing to worry about, we think is the right thing to do. We are all in this together and together we will all get through this," said Jay H. Banks, City Councilmember, District B.
"It is the right thing to do to keep families safe and protect public health during the current COVID-19 outbreak. We appreciate the Sewage and Water Board for stepping up to cover the cost to ensure all residents have access to clean water. I also urge residents to continue doing their part by thoroughly washing your hands which is the first line of defense to reduce the spread of the virus," said Kristin Gisleson Palmer, District C Councilmember.
"We must never lose sight of doing what is right and helping to take care of each other in tough times. This is why my colleagues and I called on Entergy, the Sewerage and Water Board, and Cox Louisiana to stop disconnections while we deal with the coronavirus or COVID-19. These are basic essential services that the public are reliant on, and, in turn, these utilities need to be compassionate towards our citizenry during this public health crisis. Now is the time for us all to work together for the common good," said Jared C. Brossett, City Councilmember, District D.
"As our citizens are negatively impacted by the COVID-19, I support this measure to ensure that the quality of life is not impacted," said Cyndi Nguyen, City Councilmember, District E.
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