Nyeri Water and Sanitation Company (Nyewasco) has embarked on a new water tariff review process for the proposed changes in water tariff structure for 2020/21 to 2024/25 period.
Speaking while briefing the media at Kamakwa water treatment plant Tuesday, Nyewasco Chief Commercial Service and Strategy Manager, Francis Kiura, said some of the proposed tariff changes will benefit customers living in the low income areas.
Kiura said one of the proposed tariff recommends that in case of no consumption, customers will be required to pay the standing metre fee of Sh. 50 from the current Sh 368.40 in areas where there is no sewer.
The sewer charges will be reduced to domestic users by charging 75 per cent of the quality water consumed and that has been reduced from 100 percent.
Current charges in operation have been levying the same fee for sewer and water but the proposed tariff will charge a separate rate for sewer which is lower than that of water for all the categories.
Kiura added that sewer charges for domestic customers will be reduced to an average 60 percent of water charges. The minimum charges for low consumption of up to 6 units is 332 for un-sewered connection and Sh.534.50 for sewered connection down from the current Sh.368.40 and Sh. 686.80 respectively.
He said the proposed tariff will enable the company upgrade the pipeline to improve water supply to the residents of areas such as Kihuyo, Mweiga and Ngangarithi among others. It will also enable the company to reduce water losses further to 12 percent.
The water service provider said the proposed changes if they sail through will enable the company to automate its system to ensure its customers get accurate, timely and consistent billing and also increase its sewer coverage from the current 28 percent to 40 percent.
Kiura disclosed that the company has not disconnected its services to customers during this Covid-19 pandemic adding that it is an inhuman act.
“Water is one of the critical components of fighting the disease and it would be very inhuman to disconnect clients because of bills,” Kiura said.
He hailed customers saying those able to pay were doing so though the water service body, which is owed about Sh. 232 million by clients.
By Beth Ndirangu
