THE Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) says that increases in water rates were not pegged against adjustments to property tax.
In a statement on Wednesday, WASA stated, “The Regulated Industries Commission (RIC) has the mandate under its Act to, inter alia, establish the principles and methodologies by which service providers determine rates for services, with which the Water and Sewerage Authority is obligated to comply.
“Any link made to an increase in water and sewerage rates being pegged to the current adjustments to property tax has no basis as the Authority cannot operate to impose increased rates and charges outside of the process under the RIC Act.”
It issued the statement after former minister Mariano Browne on TV6 Morning Edition Programme on Tuesday, said, “… utility rates which are pegged to property prices and rates…so I think that utility rates, certainly in the case of WASA, rates are going to go up whether we like it or not…”
The release stated, “The Water and Sewerage Authority wishes to clarify to the public that the issue of rate increases is a matter for determination in the manner prescribed under the Regulated Industries Commission Act Chap. 54:73.”
