The Mountain Journal
A water company in Murang’a will adjust its tariffs more revenue to facilitate its operations based on the increased cost of production.
Gatanga Water and Sanitation Company got approval to increase the tariffs during a public participation forum organized by the Water Service Regulator Board (Wasreb).
The forum allowed the board chaired by Bishop Julius Wanyoike of Thika ACK Diocese to hike a unit of water from Sh33 to Sh120 for a period between July 1, 2024 to June 30th, 2029..
Those spending less than a unit will be exempted from paying for the service.
In a heated debate at Thika Blue Post Hotel, Gatanga politicians led by Kihumbu ini MCA Moses Gachui and Alex Wanyoike from Kihumbu ini and Mugumo ini respectively opposed the hiking of tariffs until the firm distributes water to all.
The board outlined that it was seeking to raise the tariffs to enable collect Sh41.6 million to expand water infrastructure and distribution channels.
“ We have pipes that were laid on the ground more than 50 years ago and the majority of them were leaking thus need to raise revenue to replace them,” said Bishop Wanyoike.
In the proposal, Gatanga Water proposes that the minimum water charges for 0 to six units of water be raised from Sh33 to Sh120.
Gachui who led the opposition said the review of the tariffs should be put on hold until when the locals will have enough water.
“ It is unacceptable for the company to adjust the tariffs upwards when only 20 percent of Gatanga people have water near them. I will invite the Water Committee at the county assembly to conduct its public participation and investigations the tariffs,” he said.
The firm’s tariffs, Bishop Wanyoike said were last reviewed 15 years ago, thus need to focus on the reduction of production cost of the commodity to supply more water.
“The cost of production is high on many aspects among them electricity, and labour expenses,” said Wanyoike adding that the company was likely to close down due to a shortage of finances.
The MP Edward Muriu, in his message to the forum, indicated he was against the move as more people were yet to access the commodity.
“ The idea should be dropped as only 20 percent of Gatanga people have access to piped water. There are elaborate plans to increase water production to address the demand for the commodity,” said Muriu.
In the proposal, the firm projects that units between seven and 20 cost be hiked to Sh135 up from Sh50, as 21 units to 51, billed at Sh150 from Sh65.
Those utilising 101 to 300 units Sh180 from Sh100.
Those using over 101 units to 300 will be subjected to pay Sh190 from Sh130.
Public schools have been imposed charges of 0 to 600 units have been adjusted to Sh135 up from Sh40.
For above 601 units to 1,200 units charges proposed are Sh165 from Sh50 and any water consumed over 1,200 units will be charged Sh190 from Sh90.
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