The Mountain Journal
Gatamathi Water Company will adjust its tariffs upwards following a successive public participation exercise convened by the Water Service Regulatory Board (Wasreb).
The tariffs were last reviewed in 2010 despite the high cost of living since then.
The forum allowed the firm to increase tariffs to raise enough funds to meet operation costs and expand its distribution channels to reach all the residents in Rwathia, Kamacharia, Gitugi, Kiru, and Gaturi wards in Mathioya, Kiharu, and Kangema constituencies.
In the proposal, the firm removed the meter rent of Sh50 per month and the fixed charge, as those consuming less than a unit, will not pay for the service.
Usage of the commodity of between one and six units will cost Sh60, while units between seven and 20 raised to Sh70 up from sh50.
Company Managing Director Mr Charles Muriuki said the firm with available resources would be able to repair and maintain the operations thus expanding Gaturi and areas near Sagana River in the Gaturi ward in Kiharu.
In the public forum attended by MCAs Morris Thuku and Kenneth Kamau of Kiru and Rwathia respectively, Muriuki said Athi Water Development Works Agency has continued supporting Gatamathi to increase the production of the commodity for distribution to the consumers.
“ We are providing the cheap rates to ensure the locals in our service area afford water as well as enabling Gatamathi to maintain its distribution network,” said Muriuki.
In the meeting, the locals called for the installation of meters in their homes to avoid the estimation of usage through the flat rate
Thuku called on the management of the water firm to consider allowing the plumbing students access to industrial attachments.
“ We have started plumbing lessons at our Wanjohi Polytechnic through the support of Murang’a Youth Service (MYS) and I will be wise if the students are accorded the training opportunity to gain experience,” said Thuku.
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