by Linda Straker
The National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) will be applying new rates in 2020 for both residential and commercial consumers.
Public Utilities Minister Gregory Bowen made the announcement while contributing to the 2020 budget debate in the House of Representatives on Friday. Bowen told members that over the years the statutory body has embarked on several initiatives and projects that have increased its expenditure, and as a result, there is a need to increase its revenue base to maintain and sustain its operations.
Among the initiatives are the regularising of some workers in 2018, constructing new administrative headquarters, and increasing storage facilities in many communities.
“How do they operate and go forward? We must move to increasing their revenue, Mr Speaker, and this could only be done through a rate increase,” said Bowen who informed that House that the new proposed rates were concluded by consultants who the Authority had invited to the island to conduct a review of its revenue.
“For the low domestic users who paid before EC$16.47, they will now be asked to pay $19.28, an increase of $2.81; and for the others, Mr Speaker, the increase will be $5 for those the $30 bracket; and those in the $60 bracket will increase by $10,” he said.
NAWASA’s last rate increase was in 2010. Bowen said that with this new rate still makes Grenada among the lowest in the OECS sub-region, as he disclosed that there are islands where the first 1,000 gallons costs as much as $21. The lowest in the region is St Vincent and the Grenadines where the rate is $6.50 for the first 1,000 gallons.
A consumer in Grenada currently pays $8 for the first 1,000 gallons.
What is the cost of a new domestic connection?
All we hear is increase in bills…increase in water with the same shitty eater service in so many areas…Do an increase when you know the service you are providing is worth talking about…Have trouble giving workers increase in pay but no trouble increasing the utilities rates….
Why we always gotta compare ourselves to our OECS countries…when comparing…let’s compare our salaries as well
all we seeing and hearing of is Increase , Increase on expenditures that out wages can’t already support. when will we hear about the increase of our basic salary to accommode these increases in 2020. you want to take bread from somebody that have biscuits????
MR. BOWEN, I UNDERSTAND THE WATER RATE INCREASE MAY BE LONG OVERDUE HOWEVER, MY CONCERN IS THE IMPACT OF THIS INCREASE ON THE ELDERLY AND HOME-BOUND STRUGGLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET ON FIXED INCOMES. SIR, THETE SHOULD BE AN EXCEPTION IN SUCH CASES. THERE IS NO NEED FOR COMPARISON OF OUR GRENADIAN WATER RATES TO St. VINCENT AND ITS GRENADINES.. SO WHAT IF WE CURRENTLY PAYS THE LOWEST RATE SINCE 2010 AND IS DUE FOR AN INCREASE.. DO NOT JUSTIFY THE WATER RATE INCREASE BY RUBBING THE NOSE OF THE GRENADIAN PEOPLE INTO GUILT AND SHAME..
Good point. However, I will go further by saying all regional government should promote and provide incentives for residents to store and use more rain water. For example, lowering or removing duties on the importation and construction of water storage tanks.
I admire the people of Carriacou as they have been doing this for yrs.