The Water and electric power tariffs reduced in rural areas-RURA

The Rwanda Utility and Regulation Authority announced that water and electric power related fees are reduced in rural areas at 51%. The price of one jerrycan has been reduced between 12 and 50%.

People living in rural areas who use a power energy equivalent to 15 Kilowatt will pay 89 Frw a small price as compared to the former one set to 182 Frw.

However the ones consuming more that 15kWh will keep paying the same amount set to 182Frw/1kWh.

This new policy intends to promote investments on industrial sector for Rwanda to be competitive as compared to other African nations.

The price of the electric power for industries has been reduced between 28 and 34% depending on the size of the factory.

It is for the first time RURA sets a water tariffs in rural areas. Previously the price was set jointly by local authorities and investors operating in this sector in rural areas.

The RURA’s decision in this regard will hinder the arbitrary setting up of water tariffs in rural areas made by investors.

RURA warned all concerned bodies not to change these standard tariffs both of water and electric power.

 The new tariff for water will now range from Rwf10 to Rwf8 per one 20 litre jerrycan, for water systems using gravity, meaning water that is distributed without the need to pressure it with a pump.

The price of water pumped by electricity, for example, will effective next year be at Rwf20 per jerrycan having moved from Rwf30; while the price of water pumped through a more complex system (electricity, diesel and or Turbo) will be calculated at Rwf16 per jerrycan from the current Rwf20.

Major Nyirishema who is the CEO of the RURA said that all of these changes aim at increasing domestic investments in industry areas.

UM– USEKE.RW