Wasreb, Murang'a county clash over water tariffs

Controversy surrounding the review of water tariffs in Murang’a has taken a new twist after the Water Regulatory Service Board (Wasreb) rejected the proposed new tariffs by the county government.

The regulator told off the county government, arguing that the role of reviewing the tariffs is bestowed on it by the Water Act, 2016.

The controversy arose after the county government, in an advertisement, proposed the tariff review at Murang’a South( Muswasco) Gatanga, Murang’a West, and Gatamathi water companies.

Wasreb Acting CEO Richard Cheruiyot said the notice published by the devolved unit on Thursday was invalid, as the regulator has the powers to evaluate, approve, and gazette tariffs.

“The public is advised to ignore the notice and note that any changes in the water service tariffs shall be published and gazetted by Wasreb,” read part of the statement.

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The county government notice invited public comments on tariff review following a series of deliberations between the county government, Wasreb, and the four water service providers.

The proposal on tariff review protests started last year after the public forums on the alleged exorbitant tariffs,  forcing many to go without water. 

In the proposed review, Gatanga water will be affected most after the proposed cost, as the rates by the devolved unit have proposed a reduction from Sh120 to Sh70 per unit, while Murang’a West has been reduced from Sh90 per unit to Sh70.

Gatamathi water charges remain at Sh 60 per unit.

Murang’a South Water cost per unit will be reduced from Sh107 to Sh88 following the ongoing conflict with the local seeking for low tariffs and they be allowed piped water for irrigation.

Murang'a Water (Muwasco), which supplies water within Murang’a municipality and parts of Maragua, will not be subjected to the tariff review,  as there were no complaints raised by the water users.

The residents in the advertisement had been asked to channel their comment to the county secretary Dr Newton Mwangi.