Solomon Water is increasing its water tariff for both domestic and commercial monthly charges.
A statement from Solomon Water Board Chairman Tony Makabo on Thursday(6th January 2022) said the new tariff represented only an increase of 84 cents per kilolitre (tonne) of water for the lowest domestic tariff band.
“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 per cent of time and is safe to drink,” Mr Makabo said.
“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.”
The statement said the increase in water tariff will help Solomon Water improve reliable water services to its customers including 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 as part of its ongoing “We Are With You” campaign.
Mr Makabo then thanked the government for working with Solomon Water and supporting the need for adequate funding for improvements to Solomon Water’s services.
