Water Minister says NWC’s request for 51% tariff increase not just about raising prices to fix problems, but public accountability

October 29, 2026

Water Minister Matthew Samuda has stated that the National Water Commission’s (NWC) request for a 51% tariff increase is not just about raising prices to fix problems, but also about inviting public accountability.

Earlier this month, the NWC disclosed that it applied to the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) for a 51 per cent tariff increase.

The application is being reviewed by the regulator.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Black River to Arlington Pipeline Project yesterday, Mr. Samuda noted that the increase is being requested in a graduated way over five years.

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The Water Minister said there are other things that the NWC will be doing, including refinancing parts of its debt that carry high interest rates.

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Meanwhile, Mr. Samuda stated that to achieve productivity, the NWC will be holding staff accountable and utilizing best-in-class technology.

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