The National Audit Office has found that the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has operated for more than 49 years without a formal water tariff policy, despite revising water charges 17 times since 1990.

The audit said tariff hikes in 2022 and 2023 increased water bills by 70% to 100% compared to 2012 rates, while also identifying management issues, project delays and rising operational costs as factors behind the Board's financial difficulties.

It also revealed that the NWSDB spent Rs. 894 million on employee bonuses and incentives in 2023, despite operating at a loss and delays in completing several projects.