Kathmandu: Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) today lived up to its earlier announcement to hike water tariff, much to make a killing. Despite the acute shortage, the new water tariff structure will come into effect from December 16, 2009. It would further hit hard the already harried users amidst dilapidated water supply system.

Rameshwor Shrestha, spokesperson KUKL said it had tabled a tariff hike proposal in Water Supply Tariff Review Commission (WSTRC) on November 14, 2008. Consequently, KUKL brought forth the reviewed tariff structure as per the decision made on November 18.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works claimed that the decision to this effect was in line with Section – 15 (3) of Water Supply Fixation Commission Act-2063 BS.
As per the new structure, water tariff has gone up by 10 to 30 per cent on account of the quantity of water the users consume in litres, said Shrestha. For the meter-fixed taps, those who consume 10,000 litres of water will be subjected to 10 per cent hike in minimum water tariff. While, those consuming over 10,000 litres would have to cough up 30 per cent more tariff. Furthermore, those paying minimum tariff of Rs. 810 will be charged 1,053 for consumption of 27,000 litres a month. Added to that every 1,000 litres more would add up Rs. 17.50 and Rs. 39 respectively. For the taps free of meters, KUKL has increased the tariff for 10,000 litres to Rs. 442 to from Rs. 360.
The tariff is formulated in ascending order par the quantity of water consumed. The additional tariff for sewage will remain at its 50 per cent. At present, water demand of the Valley is approximately 200 MLD (million litres per day) but KUKL has been supplying 90 MLD during the dry season.

Source: The Himalayan Times, December 16, 2009