The Samtse Dzongkhag Tshogdu rejected the Municipality office’s proposal to increase urban water tariffs by between 50 and 75 per cent. Instead, the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu opted for a more moderate approach, agreeing to a 25 per cent revision of rates. However, this will only be applicable upon the successful completion of the ongoing water projects and when a reliable water supply in the town area is assured.
The proposal by the Samtse Municipality to raise rates for utilities like waste, sewerage, and streetlights met with mixed reactions during the DT session.
The municipal in-charge said that the town’s utility tariffs have been the same since 2010 and are also lower compared to other districts.
“The current water rates were initially established in 2010, and it has been over 13 years without any revisions. Moreover, the annual operational and maintenance costs of municipal services have consistently exceeded the annual revenue generated during this period,” said Tenzin Dakpa, municipal in-charge.
The current water rates per unit vary between Nu 1.25 to 2.50 for domestic, commercial, and industrial categories.
Some DT members questioned the town’s water service quality before considering a revision.
“During conversations with residents, many expressed dissatisfaction with the current water service, citing issues such as insufficient supply. However, there have been fewer complaints regarding waste management, sewerage, and street lighting. Given these concerns, we must exercise caution before considering any revisions to the water rates,” said Karna Bdr Thakuri, Ugyentse Gup.
Local government leaders also raised concerns about delays in the ongoing water flagship project.
The project’s work includes the construction of transmission lines, an intake tank at the source, and the reconstruction of the Dhamdum pump gallery. All these works faced delays, resulting in missed deadlines.
“The ongoing water flagship project in Samtse is currently in the penalty period due to delays. We need to determine when we should tolerate these delays before withdrawing support. After personally visiting the project sites, I am skeptical about their ability to complete the work soon,” said Som Kumar Pradhan, Thromde Ngotshap.
In response, the municipal in charge said these projects would be finalised within a few months, adding that there would be a substantial improvement in the water supply.
Following extensive debate, the DT reached a consensus to approve a 25 per cent increase in water tariff.
However, this revision would only come into effect after the completion of ongoing water projects, which would ensure adequate water supply to both the town and nearby areas.
The revised rates will be reviewed in the Dzongkhag Tshogdu if the municipal office fails to ensure a satisfactory water supply.
Revisions were also made for other utilities like streetlights and garbage collection charges.
While rates for hiring JCB machines were reduced to Nu 2,000 from 2,500, sewerage rates remained unchanged.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Sherub Dorji
