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Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
THE government is set to put in place a water tariffs regulatory authority to push for higher water quality and affordability, a Cabinet Minister has said. Addressing Masvingo residents at Mamutse Stadium after the official commissioning of $4,8 million water and sanitation infrastructure at Bushmead water works by Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday, Environment, Water and Climate Minister Cde Saviour Kasukuwere said the regulatory authority will address water pricing distortions.

He said the regulatory authority will also provide a platform for complaints resolution.

He said almost 80 percent of waste water is discharged into the environment and that needs to be rectified.

“To enhance issues of sustainability, we are soon going to have a Water and Waste water Services Regulatory Authority which will ensure sufficient water to the people and customer protection. This addresses customer complaints sufficiently. It will also ensure that the tariffs are affordable and cover the full cost of the service,” said Cde Kasukuwere.

He said the regulatory authority would also consider the quality of water that local authorities provide to residents.

“Safety issues will be addressed. Is the water of good quality for human consumption? Are waste discharges of the right quality? For service providers such as Masvingo City, the regulators will mean predictable tariff adjustments, fewer days for tariff approvals that are both cost effective and sustainable,” he said.

He said residents would have a platform to express their grievances pertaining to the tariffs.

Those who attended the commissioning event include Finance Minister Cde Patrick Chinamasa; Local Government, Public works and National Housing Minister Cde Ignatius Chombo; Masvingo Minister of State and Provincial Affairs Senator Shuvai Mahofa; Minister of State responsible for Psychomotor Senator Josiah Hungwe; Chiefs Council President Chief Fortune Charumbira; Masvingo traditional chiefs; AfDB team leader Metius Magala and Masvingo mayor councillor Hubert Fidze.