Water and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa has explained why some Kenyans may be subject to high water bills issued by the Water Resources Authority (WRA).

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Speaking on Sunday, September 20, Mugaa said that some Kenyans begin applying for a water abstraction permit but fail to complete it after installing their water infrastructure.

According to the CS, such users may subsequently be billed based on the estimated volume of water they declared when applying, rather than the actual amount they use.

"When the Water Resources Authority are billing you every month, they charge you based on the approximation you provided during your application, because you don't have an active meter," Mugaa explained.

📌 What You Need to Know

In such cases, WRA usually charges Ksh10 per 1,000 litres, which is higher than the lower rates applicable to users who have completed the permitting process and have functioning meters.

With an approved permit, the CS explained that Kenyans are charged Ksh2 and Ksh2.50 depending on the purpose. For instance, water abstracted for domestic and livestock use is Ksh2 per 1,000 litres, while water for domestic use is Ksh2.50 per 1,000 litres abstracted.

To prevent high charges, the CS urged the public to install and maintain valid water meters to ensure they are charged according to their actual consumption.

He also revealed that the government is advocating for smart, GSM-enabled water meters that can transmit readings from the point of abstraction, making it easier for WRA to monitor water use.

For those using older volumetric meters, Mugaa said WRA has an application that allows users to submit their meter readings monthly.

"We are now advocating for the smart water meters, and these smart water meters are meant to ensure that they are GSM-enabled to make the meter reading at the catchment as easy and as efficient as possible. For those with old volumetric meters, there is an application by the agency, an app, whereby you can actually transmit your meter reading every month to the agency," he added.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke