The Water Tariff Fixation Commission is expected to increase water tariffs by between 10% and 30% in the Kathmandu Valley, despite a persistent shortage of water in the area. The increases are in response to proposals by Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL), the public-private partnership responsible for the distribution of piped water in the Valley.

KUKL has proposed a 10 per cent rise in the water tariff for those who consume up to 10,000 litres of water, and a higher increase of 30% for those who consume more. Before making a decision, the Commission will consult the public.

The chief executive director of the NGO Forum for Urban Water and Sanitation, Prakash Amatya, said that the increases discriminated against the poor, as they will have to pay three times more than the rich or others with private taps. The NGO has called on the authorities to prevent leakages and provide subsidies to the poor.

The KUKL claims that the tariff increase is in line with recommendations of Asian Development Bank (ADB), the main donor for the Melamchi Water Supply Project, which provides drinking water to the Kathmandu Valley.

Related news:

• Nepal: survey finds 47% of water in Kathmandu Valley 'unsafe', Source South Asia, 19 Sep 2008;
• Nepal, Kathmandu Valley: Melamchi Water Supply Project to be completed within five years, Source South Asia, 02 Sep 2008

Web sites: Melamchi Water Supply Project ; Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL)

Source: NGO Forum, 10 Dec 2008

Tags: financing, south asia, water distribution