Concerns about rising water prices

(Baonghean.vn) - After the gasoline price increased by 670 VND/L from 4:30 p.m. on March 21 - the first increase since October 2015, debates predicting increases or decreases in basic living expenses such as electricity and water have begun to show signs of "heating up" again in public opinion.

Water bills, electricity bills... The cost of basic living needs is a constant concern for people. Photo: Family & Society

From October 1, 2015, Hanoi allows clean water suppliers in the city to increase the price of clean water by 20% compared to the old price. The calculation of water prices is still based on the progressive scale of usage. Accordingly, the price of domestic water sold to households after the increase will be: nearly 6,000 VND/m3 for the first 10m3, from 10m3 - 20m3 the price is more than 7,000 VND/m3, from 20m3 - 30m3 is nearly 8,700 VND/m3, from 30m3 onwards is 16,000 VND/m3.

Meanwhile, the proposal to increase water prices in Ho Chi Minh City was first put forward for comments on January 20, 2015 and continued to be discussed at a meeting organized by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council on April 21, 2015. Specifically, Saigon Water Corporation Sawaco proposed to increase water prices by about 10.5% per year, implemented in the period 2015 - 2019. Thus, after 5 years, the price of clean water in Ho Chi Minh City will increase by nearly 50%, reaching about 30,000 VND/person/m3 of water. To date, Sawaco's proposal to increase clean water prices has not been approved.

Domestic water prices apply to households in some provinces and cities nationwide. (Implemented by: Thuc Anh)

Before the news of increasing water prices, there were many conflicting opinions among experts as well as public opinion.

The reason for the increase in water prices is a question that many people are interested in. In Hanoi, the adjustment of clean water prices has been on the roadmap since 2013 based on the proposal of the inter-sectoral agencies. Therefore, both businesses and users are prepared. The adjustment of water prices in October is also calculated so as not to affect the consumer price index.

The 20% increase in clean water prices in Hanoi is explained as not being enough to cover investment costs and ensure profitable business for suppliers. Because the underground water supply source decreases by an average of 2-3% per year, while the demand for water increases, the average water shortage in Hanoi during hot weather is about 40,000 - 60,000 m3/day and night. At its peak, the Da River clean water pipeline had 13 incidents, causing tens of thousands of households to lose water for many days.

The Da River water pipeline broke for the 13th time in 2015 in August.

Meanwhile, the proposed “steady” increase of 10.5% per year in Ho Chi Minh City has met with many objections, saying that this is too high. The price increase is explained as increasing investment resources to develop sources, networks, install new meters, and increase the proportion of people using clean water.

This reason is considered unconvincing because along with the proposal to increase water prices, the roadmap to reduce water loss that Sawaco has proposed seems quite "modest": reducing the loss rate from the current level of 32% to 25% by 2025 (reducing 1 - 2%/year). Many people believe that the increase in water prices is actually to "bear" the loss of billions of VND for more than half a million m3 of clean water lost every day and night.

What will happen after the water price increase? This is also a question that many people ask. Will the water quality be better? Will the supply be guaranteed? Will the infrastructure system be upgraded?

Ultimately, the biggest concern for consumers is: will the cost of living as well as the prices of services and production activities increase in a domino effect? ​​If so, will the basic salary increase, balancing the income and expenditure of society?

Thuc Anh