Low income consumers of water in Nyeri County can now smile after Nyeri Water and Sanitation Company (Nyewasco) reviewed water tariff rates downwards.
Speaking while briefing the media at Kamakwa water treatment plant today, Nyewasco Acting Managing Director Engineer Peter Kahuthu said this comes at a time when Kenyans are living on hard times due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Eng Kahuthu said a survey done by WASREB on the company’s service area showed that 72 per cent of the consumers are poor and consumed a maximum of 6 units per month which he said will now cost Ksh 332 for unsewered connections and sh 534.50 for sewered connections. Previously they paid Sh 368.40 and Sh 686.80 respectively.
He said in case of no consumption one will pay a small standing metre fee of Shs.50 and not the current Ksh.368.40 or Ksh.686.80 equivalent of 10 units.
The water tariff rate for water kiosks will remain the same Ksh at sh 1 for 10 litres.
Sewer charges will be reduced for domestic users by charging 75 per cent of the quantity of water consumed, this has been reduced from 100 per cent.
For business Accounts, Maximum charges for low consumption of up to 6 units is Ksh.500 for unsewered connection and Sh.812 for sewered connections down from the current Sh.527.70 and Sh.1,005.40 respectively.
He further said the cost recovery tariff will enable the company to sustain the achieved service delivery levels in terms of efficiencies and effectiveness across the board.
Eng Kahuthu added that the proposed tariff will make it possible for the company to upgrade the pipeline to improve water supply to the residents of Kihuyo,Mweiga,Iukumari and Ngangarithi among others.