AMMAN - The implementation of a recent government decision to raise domestic water tariffs and introduce a new monthly billing system as of October will be postponed until the beginning of next year, a senior official announced on Tuesday.
Raising water prices and switching from a quarterly to a monthly billing system was delayed in order to recruit additional employees, and secure the necessary electric devices and technical programmes to ensure a smooth process, according to Minister of Water and Irrigation Mohammad Najjar.
"Introducing the new water tariff and monthly billing system requires additional trained personnel. The Cabinet recently approved appointing 270 new employees for this purpose We want to be prepared and avoid mistakes," he told reporters during a press conference at the Ministry of Water and Irrigation yesterday.
In June, the government announced that it would increase water tariffs as part of a three-year social, economic and financial plan to address an unprecedented $1.5 billion deficit in the state budget.
The rise in water prices will range between a minimum of 600 fils and a maximum of JD11 per month depending on consumption patterns, according to the new regulations, which also oblige owners of private swimming pools, both indoor and outdoor, to pay JD250 annually in addition to the monthly bill.
However, prices of water for irrigation, industry and tourism purposes will remain unchanged, Najjar said previously, noting that the government supports the three sectors due to their contributions to the economy.
The decision to raise water tariffs was taken to reduce people's water consumption, particularly those with above average consumption, while the new billing system allows consumers to pay their bills monthly when the value is lower, according to the ministry.
Clients with moderate water consumption that amounts to less than 36 cubic metres per month will not be affected, according to the ministry, which estimates that 65-70 per cent of subscribers fall into this category, 57.5 per cent of whom reside in Amman.
Arab Water
Ministers Council
Meanwhile, Najjar briefed reporters on outcome of the Arab Water Ministers Council meeting, which was held in Cairo last week.
The minister, who chaired the session, noted that endorsement of the Arab Water Security Strategy was postponed because five Arab states did not attend the meeting, including Saudi Arabia.
Copies of the Arab Water Security Strategy were sent to all Arab countries for further review, the minister said, noting that December 10 will be the deadline for receiving amendments on the strategy.
The strategy seeks to protect Arab countries' surface water resources that are shared with non-Arab states, according to Najjar, who recently noted that 70 per cent of Arab countries' water resources originate outside the region.
By Hana Namrouqa
© Jordan Times 2010
