After electricity charges, water tariffs bound to rise: Minister

As the electricity charges have been increased, the water charges will have to be increased in accordance, a Minister said.

Ceylon workers’ Congress General Secretary and Water Supply, Estate Infrastructure Development Minister Jeevan Thondaman said that they are expecting to implement a plan to reduce the increase in water charges within a short period of time for the benefit of the citizens of the country.

He said it while addressing the public meeting in Matale.

He said that "Electricity charges have increased in the country, hence water charges will also increase as most of the water supply projects are running on electricity. Due to this, the expenses of the water supply mechanism will also increase. Thus, it would be necessary to increase the water charges.

Also added that he understands the hardship faced by the people of the country in the current situation. After signing an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), it is planned to operate the water supply project through solar power. This will reduce the expenses, resulting in the reduction of water charges.

The government needs income in order to provide free services including education and healthcare in the country without any interruptions, hence taxes have been increased due to such a crisis. Therefore, for the sake of the country and future generations, I kindly request the citizens to bear with the current situation for a specific period.(Yohan Perera)