01 Apr 2015

Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) will from April 1, implement the second step of water tariffs rationalisation and adjustment of tariffs, following the Cabinet’s recent approval of a new water tariff structure.

A news release from the corporation says the first rationalisation was implemented in 2012, following the implementation of the Water Sector Reforms that had brought about 28 different tariff structures.

It says the main objective of the Water Sector Reforms was to improve service level for all water users in the country through equitable and cost reflective provision of quality water and waste water services.

The release says the various water authorities that WUC took over, established tariffs independently hence the various tariffs that WUC adopted and is currently operating with from area to area.

The release says due to varying tariffs some customers used to pay up to 300 per cent more than other customers for the same amount of consumption and quality of water.

It further states that the first tariff rationalisation reduced the number of tariffs from 28 to 11, and the recently approved structure further reduces them to 5. Under the new tariffs structure these inconsistencies have, to a larger extent been addressed.

Furthermore, the corporation is introducing a wastewater tariff that will be incorporated in customers’ monthly bills. The wastewater tariff is charged based on consumption of potable water.

The tariff also follows a stepped tariff block just like that of potable water, says the release. ENDS