Beitbridge hikes water tariffs by 7pc

Thupeyo Muleya

Beitbridge Bureau

Beitbridge Municipality has hiked water tariffs by an average of 7 percent with effect from Monday, in a move aimed at cushioning the local authority from challenges emanating from the Covid-19 pandemic.

In addition, the review is also expected to help the local authority narrow its debt with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) and also boosts its capacity to evenly supply water to most properties around the town.

Finance director Mr Anymore Mbedzi said they had to adjust the water tariffs after Zinwa increased the price of bulk water by 25 percent.

“Zinwa increased water charges by 25 percent to a tariff of $119/m3 including VAT and as a result, we have adjusted our tariffs by an average of seven percent.

“You will note that prior to the latest development, the cost price of water supply in residential areas was heavily subsidised and it was no longer sustainable,” he said.

Mr Mbedzi said under the new tariffs, those living in high-density areas who were paying $1 443 for 15/m3 will now have to part with $1 795.

The rates in medium density suburbs have been reviewed from an average consumption of 20m3 presently pegged at $2 777 to $2 928.

With respect to low density areas, the residents will now pay $5 376 for 33/m3 up from $5 259 while commercial and industrial average of 80m3 which is presently going for $19 580, will be reduced to $17 798.

Mr Mbedzi said the municipality was still collecting revenue that is below their targets, a development that is affecting service delivery.

In January 2021, Beitbridge Municipality collected just over $5,4 million and remitted $5,6 million to Zinwa.

He said as of December 31 last year, the local authority was owed $119 million in rates and services.

“Residential properties only, owe the municipality a total of $91 807 011 for water and rates, and our collection rate for water in January 2021 was 33 percent. We urge residence and ratepayers to settle bills in time to ensure uninterrupted service delivery,” said Mr Mbedzi.

Those with non-functional water metres are advised to have them replaced so that they are billed for actual consumption, not through estimates.