“Improving value, Improving services and Improving for the future”

Solomon Water strives to provide our customers with safe and reliable water and wastewater services. Back in 2012, Solomon Water used to supply water for around 5 hours per day. With the many improvements that we are undertaking, our supply duration is now over 22 hours per day, and we are striving to provide a 24 hours water service to our customers in the near future.

In meeting the evolving regulatory requirements, water supply needs and customer expectations in the future, Solomon Water announces to its customers that as of January 1 2022 there has been an increase in water tariff. As part of our ongoing “We Are With You” campaign, the increase will be aimed at improving reliable water services to our customers and this includes Kongulai water treatment plant, renovation of the White River bore field, increasing production in the Kombito / Panatina area and upgrades to various provincial water supplies.

Solomon Water appreciates the difficulties to customers at present due to wet weather affecting the water catchment areas at Kongulai and Kombito and we are taking steps to try and reduce the impacts caused by the illegal activities that are causing the dirty water. We have made several improvements in 2021 to increase our production capacity to reduce the impact of these shutdowns, and have several more planned for 2022. The Kongulai water treatment plant will also shortly start construction around mid 2022 and will be completed in late 2023 allowing Solomon Water to produce water regardless of weather and catchment conditions. Forty cents from every kilolitre of water sold will go towards future management and protection of the water catchment areas.

To assist with this effort, the government through the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury has approved an increase in the water tariff and the commercial monthly standing charge which are now in effect. It reflects the cost of delivery of water and wastewater services and the continuous improvements that we will be undertaking to provide safe and reliable water services in our areas of operations. Other minor changes including new domestic service connections and other fees have also been approved.

Board Chairman designate Tony Makabo said “We thank the Government for working with us and supporting the need for adequate funding for improvements to Solomon Water’s services. We acknowledge that some households may struggle to afford basic services but note that the water supplied by Solomon Water meets World Health Standards 98% of the time and is safe to drink. The new tariff represents only an increase of 84 cents per Kilolitre (tonne) of water for the lowest domestic tariff band.