The Ministry of Water and Human Settlement has announced major adjustments to Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) tariffs, lowering rates for low-income households while increasing prices for high-consumption users. Minister Onneetse Ramogapi made the announcement during a press briefing on Tuesday, emphasizing the government’s focus on affordability and sustainability.
“Water is a basic human right, and it must remain affordable,” Ramogapi said. “This tariff adjustment ensures that those who use water efficiently pay less while those with higher consumption contribute more toward cost recovery.”
Under the revised structure, households consuming between 0-5 kiloliters (kL) per month will see a 30% reduction, bringing the tariff down from P3.50 to P2.45 per kL. Those consuming between 5-10 kL will receive a 15% reduction, lowering the cost from P11.78 to P10.01 per kL. However, tariffs for households consuming more than 15 kL per month will increase by 7% to encourage conservation. Businesses and industries will also see a 15% increase in tariffs, while government water tariffs will be hiked by 40% to sustain cross-subsidization.
Ramogapi stressed that WUC does not receive direct financial support from the government and relies on tariffs to maintain operations. The last tariff adjustment was implemented in April 2021, with no increase for the lowest consumption bracket at the time.
“This is about balancing affordability and sustainability,” Ramogapi explained. “By reducing costs for low-income households, we ensure that no one is denied access to water due to financial constraints. At the same time, higher consumers must contribute their fair share to the system.”
The government has also proposed a 15% increase in raw water, untreated borehole water, and bulk-treated water tariffs to reflect the rising cost of water management. Wastewater tariffs will be adjusted at similar rates.
Looking ahead, Ramogapi revealed that the ministry is developing a tariff adjustment model to review water rates annually. “This will ensure a fair and sustainable pricing model that protects both consumers and WUC’s ability to provide quality services,” he said.
The new tariffs will take effect in the 2025/2026 financial year.
