In meeting the evolving regulatory requirements, water supply needs and customer expectations in the future, Solomon Water announces to its customers that as of January 1 2022 there has been an increase in water tariff.
Solomon Water says that as part of the ongoing “We Are With You” campaign, the increase will be aimed at improving reliable water services to our customers and this includes Kongulai water treatment plant, renovation of the White River bore field, increasing production in the Kombito / Panatina area and upgrades to various provincial water supplies.
Solomon Water says they understand the difficulties customers face at present due to wet weather affecting the water catchment areas at Kongulai and Kombito. They say steps are being taken to try and reduce the impacts caused by the illegal activities that are causing the dirty water.
“We have made several improvements in 2021 to increase our production capacity to reduce the impact of these shutdowns, and have several more planned for 2022.
“The Kongulai water treatment plant will also shortly start construction around mid 2022 and will be completed in late 2023 allowing Solomon Water to produce water regardless of weather and catchment conditions.
“Forty cents from every kilolitre of water sold will go towards future management and protection of the water catchment areas,” Solomon Water said.
Solomon Water says that to assist with this effort, the government through the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury has approved an increase in the water tariff and the commercial monthly standing charge which are now in effect.
They say it reflects the cost of delivery of water and wastewater services and the continuous improvements that we will be undertaking to provide safe and reliable water services in our areas of operations. Other minor changes including new domestic service connections and other fees have also been approved.
Board Chairman designate Tony Makabo said “We thank the Government for working with us and supporting the need for adequate funding for improvements to Solomon Water’s services.
“We acknowledge that some households may struggle to afford basic services but note that the water supplied by Solomon Water meets World Health Standards 98% of the time and is safe to drink. The new tariff represents only an increase of 84 cents per Kilolitre (tonne) of water for the lowest domestic tariff band.
“Our tariff is partly driven by high electricity costs and the need to provide our share of funds into the significant donor-funded upgrade programme. We also need to fund loan repayments to Government for some of the donor-funded works. We ask Government to assist us with further donor grant funds instead of loans to assist in keeping water affordable to all our customers”.
Source: Solomon Water