LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) has condemned Blantyre Water Board (BWB) for secretly increasing water tariffs without informing consumers.
In a press statement signed by CAMA Executive Director, John Kapito observes that water tariff hike is regulated by an Act of Parliament that demands gazette notice for allowing consumers to comment on any tariff adjustments.
He said the association is requesting the Ministry to provide them with information if indeed has approved and gazetted new water tariff to BWB and others boards.
“The percentage of such an increase, and according to reports from Consumers it is indicated that Blantyre Water Board has already started implementing these new unannounced tariffs, therefore CAMA reminds the Ministry that water is a public good whose production, distribution and pricing must always take into account for protection of Consumer rights,” said Kapito
He adds, “Water is a commodity that must never be used to discriminate Consumers especially the poor
therefore inconsiderate Water tariffs negatively affects poor Consumers.
CAMA demands, “There should be good balancing to avoid hurting poor Consumers who are already struggling with the current high cost of living amidst experiencing various health pandemics such as cholera and others.
“It is important for the Ministry to realize that careless high tariffs have a trigger negative effect
on prices of many goods and services on the market”.
Water Ministry authorities are yet to respond on CAMA’s query.
