Water tariffs to increase by 3 percent

The National water supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has planned to increase water tariffs from three percent from Monday onwards, Deputy General Manager (Commercial Section) G.A. Piyal Pathmanatha told Times Online.

He explained though the tariff would be increased there would not be any service charge hike.

According to the Deputy General Manager the water bills already include 15 percent of VAT. However with the addition of the 3 percent tariff increase the VAT would increase to18 percent.  

The VAT Amendment Bill was approved by Parliament on December 11, resulting in a 3 percent increase.

Meanwhile, the payment of bills has gone down in the face of the economic turmoil yet some individuals are known to restore water supply by paying arrears after disconnection.

Providing amenities, the NWSDB has introduced installment facilities for customers who cannot afford to pay the entire amount at once. Yet, after disconnection of water supply, it is mandatory to pay at least 50% of the outstanding amount to the NWSDB.

He added that along with the monthly fees, the NWSDB must receive arrears totaling Rs. 12 billion.

in view of the existing economic challenges, the acquisition of new water connections has also experienced a decrease significantly, he added.

“Therefore, the NWSDB negotiated with a few banks to provide some loan and installment facilities. For a domestic water connection, earlier the NWSDB charged Rs. 10,000 towards initial deposit," he said. 

As of now, it has been marked down to Rs. 8000 and the amount of installments has been increased to 18 facilitating the client’s ease,” Mr. Pathmanatha said.