Minister of Water Supply Jeevan Thondaman has issued a clarification to address the concerns and allegations surrounding the recent water tariff hike, explaining in detail why this measure was taken.
The Minister pointed out that the average Water Board customer consumes 13.5 units (13,500 litres) per month, which approximately results in a monthly bill of Rs. 1300 under the revised tariff.
There are no tariff increases for Samurdhi and tenement garden customers – the most vulnerable in our society.
Due to rising costs, including electricity tariffs, raw materials, currency depreciation, and high-interest rates, the cost of providing one unit (1000 litres) of water has surged to Rs. 130 and therefore, it was no longer possible to provide clean and safe piped water to the Water Board’s customers at the previous tariff, the Minister explained.
Minister Thondaman pointed out that under the tariff hike, only consumers using more than 20 units of water a month (20,000 litres) would start paying the actual unit cost and more, while around 70% of the Water Board’s customers fall below this threshold.
Addressing concerns that Samurdhi beneficiaries are not facing a water tariff hike as they comprise his constituency in Nuwara Eliya, the minister stated in Nuwara Eliya, water is provided by the municipal council and not the Water Board.
Outlining the future course of action, Minister Jeevan Thondaman stated that the Ministry will introduce a new tariff guideline and formula by the end of this year which will enhance transparency and accountability in the water tariff structure.
He further stated that the Ministry is also formulating a new water safety plan, a rainwater harvesting scheme and a climate resilience roadmap to ensure a consistent supply of clean, drinking water.
“I understand the challenges that some of you face, and I assure you that every step we take is aimed at ensuring a sustainable water supply for our country’s future. Along with this hike we are pursuing aggressive reforms in the water sector and the Water Board. This includes introducing lean management practices, setting measurable KPIs for the organisation and adopting a cost optimisation strategy to give greater value for money to consumers,” Minister Thondaman added. (NewsWire)
I want to address the concerns and allegations surrounding the recent water tariff hike for @NwsdbOfficial (Water Board) customers. I understand the impact this decision has on many of you, and I want to provide clarity and reassurance on why this step was taken.
💧 Firstly, I… https://t.co/wFAU1U4HTQ
— Jeevan Thondaman (@JeevanThondaman) August 4, 2023