Water Utilities Corporation (WUC), the Botswana government owned corporation, has commenced the implementation of the 2nd step of water tariffs rationalisation and adjustment of tariffs, which became effective from 1st of April 2015.

According to the corporation, the first rationalisation was implemented in 2012 following the implementation of the Water Sector Reforms that had brought about 28 different tariff structures.

“The main objective of the Water Sector Reforms programme (WSR) was to improve service level for all water users in the country through equitable and cost reflective provision of quality water and wastewater services,” said WUC.

“The various water authorities that WUC took over established tariffs independently hence the various tariffs that WUC adopted and is currently operating with from area to area. Due to these varying tariffs some customers used to pay up to 300% more than other customers for the same amount of consumption and quality of water.”

It added that the first tariff rationalisation reduced the number of tariffs from 28 to 11, and the recently approved structure further reduces them to 5. Under the new tariffs structure these inconsistencies have, to a large extent been addressed.

Furthermore, the corporation is introducing a wastewater tariff that will be incorporated in customers’ monthly bills.

“The wastewater tariff is charged based on consumption of potable water. The tariff also follows a stepped tariff block just like that of potable water.”