10 Nov 2013

Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) uses step water tariffs aimed at addressing the economic disparities between the rich and poor, the Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Mr Kitso Mokaila has said.

Answering a parliamentary question, Mr Mokaila said the lowest tariff block priced at P2 per kilo litre is further exempted from VAT charges to make water affordable to all. The minister said individuals who had not connected water at their plots were supplied from pre-paid standpipes. He however said customers who suspected that their bills might not be a true reflection of their consumption were advised to visit the nearest WUC office to ask for clarification.

Mr Mokaila said watering of cattle with potable water from household taps by some individuals is one of the factors that significantly contribute to high bills. Minister Mokaila was responding to a question from Kweneng East MP, Major General Moeng Pheto who wanted to know what had been done to improve the poor WUC billing system particularly in villages where consumers receive bills a year or two late.

He wanted the minister to explain whether it was realistic for bills in rural areas to range between P5 000 and P9 000 per family for a period of two to three years.The MP also asked how water will be made affordable to families with little or no income. The minister was further asked what changed to warrant high and unrealistic bills since the takeover of water provision from councils by the WUC. Ends