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MPs to be given two months more to settle water bills

21 Sep 2022

  • NWSDB considering grace period for Rs. 13 mn arrears
  • Decision taken following talks with Speaker 
BY Dinitha Rathnayake  Following the discussion held with Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana on 1 September regarding the water bill-related arrears of very important persons (VIPs), including MPs, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) is considering granting a two-month grace period to settle the said arrears. Speaking to The Morning, NWSDB Assistant General Manager Piyal Pathmanatha said that following the said discussion on recovering Rs. 13 million from VIPs, and precautions to be taken in the future, the Speaker was officially informed, in writing, about the outstanding amounts. “The Speaker would now inform the relevant figures on the matter, and the Ministers would then investigate on the limits that they have and how much they have to pay,” Pathmanatha said. “Most customers delay the payment for at least two months, in order to pay the billed amount all at once. But this, in turn, adds interest to their accounts. Therefore, we urge them to pay the bill within 14 days so that they are eligible for a discount of 1.5%.” A large number of consumers, including households, commercial enterprises, Government agencies, and schools owe the NWSDB nearly Rs. 7,500 million as of April 2022. This was revealed during the progress review meeting of the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage, chaired by then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the President’s House in Colombo.  Pathmanatha also said that the Covid-19 pandemic was the main reason for the outstanding bills, noting that the NWSDB has already commenced disconnecting connections with such arrears, and that over 21,000 connections have been disconnected so far. Meanwhile, he further stated that the water bill was increased on 1 September at the new rate.  “We have not increased the water bill since 2012. A total of 60% of the customers paid Rs. 10 per 500 litres earlier, but now it would be increased up to Rs. 23.50, while for 15 units, the charge was earlier Rs. 310, but now it would be increased to Rs. 705.” He also said that the 1939 call centre and WhatsApp number 0112044800 are available for any inquiries A special gazette notification has been issued by Water Supply and Drainage Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, increasing the water tariffs with effect from 1 September 2022. The tariff revision was made in terms of Section 84 of the NWSDB Law, No. 2 of 1974. Accordingly, the tariffs have been revised for all consumers supplied with water from the water supply schemes of the NWSDB.  The monthly water bill of any premises includes, in addition to the water charges, monthly service charges, other charges, and applicable taxes, the gazette notification read further. The water bill generally displays only the total monthly charge, but if necessary, the consumer can request the water bill with separate value-added tax (VAT) and special VAT invoices upon prior registration with the NWSDB.


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