NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (March 13, 2018) — Water consumers on Nevis are asked to take note of the new water rates that will come into effect from April 01, 2018.

Mr. Roger Hanley, Manager of the Nevis Water Department (NWD) said on March 08, 2018, in an interview with the Department of Information that the information is being released on the heels of the announcement of a 30 percent increase in rates in a recent sitting of the Nevis Island Assembly.

“For the domestic users, those persons who consume 1,000 gallons or less, the existing rate is $10 per 1,000. The new rate would be $13 per 1,000. For persons who consume more than 3,000 gallons the existing rate is $12 per 1,000 gallons and the new rate would be $15.60 per 1,000 gallons.

“For persons who are needy, the existing rate is $3 monthly and the new rate would be $3.90 per month. For seniors who consume less than 3,000 gallons the existing rate is no charge and the revised tariff is no charge. For seniors who consume more than 3,000, the existing rate is $10 per 1,000. The new rate would be $13 per 1,000 gallons,” he said.

Mr. Hanley explained that farmers on Nevis will also pay more for their usage.

“Those who use less than 10,000 gallons, the existing rate is $5 per 1,000 gallons. The new rate would be $6.50 per 1,000. For farmers who use more than 10,000 gallons the existing rate is $10 per 1,000 gallons, the new rate would be $13 per 1,000 gallons,” he said.

The NWD Manager added that for trucking, the existing rate is $40 per 1,000 and the new rate would be $52 per 1,000 gallons. Water sold for irrigation purposes, the existing rate is $25 per 1,000. and the new rate would be $32.50 per 1,000 gallons.

For hotels, commercial and industrial users the existing rate is $25 per 1,000 gallons and the new rate would be $32.50 per 1,000 gallons.

In the case of Four Seasons Resort, water used for irrigation the existing rate is $20 per 1,000 gallons. However, the new rate would be $26 per 1,000 gallons.

Mr. Hanley noted that the increase came about because of a recommendation by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) some years ago, after the NIA had approached the organisation to fund a project to improve the water services on the island.

He explained that the process commenced 10 years ago when they approached the CDB. At the time the bank advised the NWD to engage the services of a consultancy firm.

“This firm was chosen out of Canada, called the MMM Group. After we received the report from the consultants a project was conceived and we approached CDB for funding.

“One of the stipulations for receiving the loan from CDB was that we should increase the water rates by 30 percent,” he said.