ZINWA Shelves Plans To Hike Tariffs After Outcry

The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has with immediate effect suspended its plans to hike tariffs following a public outcry.

In a statement, the authority said the decision to revert to old tariffs was a result of feedback from consultations with various stakeholders. Said ZINWA:

Zinwa, however, wishes to advise all clients with outstanding bills to take advantage of this development to settle their debts.

Those intending to make payments can do so using the available Zinwa digital payments platforms that include Eco-Cash, One Money, Pay-now, Bank Transfers and where necessary, make physical payments at Zinwa banking halls.

Any changes to the tariffs, it added, will be communicated at the appropriate time.

Zinwa had planned to effect a 25 percent tariff hike starting from March 1, but the feedback from stakeholders suggested that the move would be a bad one.

The authority provides water directly to farmers while its duty in the urban areas is to provide bulk raw (untreated) water from its dams to the local authorities who in turn treat and distribute water to residents.

While ZINWA is not the one levying consumers in urban areas, the move could have resulted in local government authorities also effecting a water tariffs hike to recoup incurred costs.

More: The Herald