THE Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) has increased
its water tariffs by over 400% citing high cost of water treatment chemicals,
among other costs.
Zinwa, which mainly supplies water to small towns and
growth points, last increased tariffs in 2012.
Government in 2006 allowed Zinwa to take over all water
functions countrywide, a decision that was later reversed following protests
from local authorities.
But Zinwa still controls the water and sewer infrastructure
of some councils such as Gwanda.
The water authority said its latest water tariff hike has
been approved by the Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement
ministry and will see residents in high-density areas paying $3,42 up from 80
cents for up to five cubic metres of water.
“The re-aligned tariff structure was approved in terms of
the section 30 of the Zinwa Act (Chapter 20:25) and is meant to ensure the
viability of the authority by striking a balance between affordability and
availability of resources,” Zinwa said.
“Recent sharp increases in the costs of spares, water
treatment chemicals, electricity, fuel and other critical inputs coupled with
the fact that water tariffs were last set in 2012 have necessitated this
realignment.”
Zinwa spokesperson Tsungirirai Shoriwa said he was
travelling when contacted for comment.
Local authorities have also proposed massive rate and
tariff hikes with Bulawayo City Council proposing a near 700% increase to be
effected within four months beginning this month, citing high cost of water
treatment chemicals and the harsh economic climate.
Zinwa said its proposed water tariffs will, however, seek
to protect the vulnerable.
“The realigned tariff structure has been designed in a
manner that protects the socially vulnerable such as the elderly, the disabled
and child-headed families through providing for a special tariff for their
first five cubic metres (5 000 litres of water) per month. It also rewards
efficient use of water and discourages any unnecessary wasteful use of water by
increasing the payable tariff as consumption also increases,” Zinwa said.
Newsday
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