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Water Board to discuss VIPs arrears with Speaker

30 Aug 2022

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) is to discuss the water bill related arrears of very important persons (VIPs) with Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana on 1 September, while a new water tariff is to be introduced from next month. Speaking to The Morning, NWSDB Assistant General Manager Piyal Pathmanatha said that the discussion would be on how to recover Rs. 13 million from the VIPs, and precautions to be taken in the future. According to a discussion with the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, the letter was sent by the NWSDB to the Speaker, and the NWDSB is hoping to obtain the said arrears from the VIPs after the discussion with the Speaker. “Rs. 13 million has to be obtained from the VIPs and Rs. 5,200 million has to be obtained from domestic users,” Pathmanatha said. He also said that the NWDSB is facing a shortage of water meters and pipes at the moment due to the US dollar (USD) crisis, adding however that it is expected to provide 150,000 new connections this year. “We were able to provide 210,000 connections in 2021, and 150,000 before that. We would be able to recover from this situation and hope to increase the connections provided yearly. Most customers keep their bills for at least two months and pay them at once, and this, in turn, adds interest to their accounts. Therefore, we urge them to pay the bill within 14 days so that they are eligible for a discount.” A large number of consumers, including households, commercial enterprises, Government agencies, and schools owe the NWSDB nearly Rs. 7,500 million as of April 2022. This was revealed during the progress review meeting of the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage chaired by the then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Pathmanatha said that the Covid-19 pandemic was the main reason for the outstanding bills, noting that the NWSDB has already commenced disconnecting connections with such arrears. Meanwhile, he also said that the water bill would be increased from 1 September at a new rate. “We have not increased the water bill since 2012 and 60% of the customers paid Rs. 10 per 500 litres earlier but it would now be increased up to Rs. 23.50. For 15 units, the charge was Rs. 310 previously, but now, it would be increased to Rs. 705. We urge the customers to pay the bill within 14 days after receiving it in order to get a discount of 1.5%.” He also said that the 1939 call hotline and the number 0112044800 are available for any inquiries. A special gazette notification has been issued by the Water Supply Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, increasing the water tariffs with effect from 1 September, 2022. The tariff revision was made in terms of Section 84 of the NWSDB Law, No. 02 of 1974. Accordingly, the tariffs have been revised for all consumers supplied with water from the water supply schemes of the NWSDB. The monthly water bill of any premises includes, in addition to the water charges, monthly service charges, other charges and applicable taxes, the gazette notification read further. The water bill generally displays only the total monthly charge and if necessary, the consumer can request the water bill with separate value added tax (VAT) and simplified VAT invoices with prior registration with the NWSDB.  


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