Editorial | Bigger bills will show need to save water in Hong Kong
- Tariffs may not been raised in Hong Kong since 1995 but authorities must consider economic climate and proceed with caution
A rise in water charges was just a matter of time now adjustments to government fees and levies are on the cards to help ease budget deficits. But the unsettled economic climate calls for a cautious and gradual approach, especially when the increase risks weighing heavily on some businesses and households.
Even though charges have not been raised for almost three decades, and fall far short of covering the cost of supply, affordability must be taken into account when making adjustments.
The government has sought to calm fears of a hefty increase, saying many factors will be considered, including public affordability, socio-economic conditions, the operating account, and opinions of stakeholders. An outreach team was formed in April to gauge the views of the catering and laundry industries.
Among sectors also to be engaged are food processing, beauty, hospitality and construction. “If we decide to adjust the fees, we will recover costs in a gradual and phased manner, minimising impacts on users as much as possible,” a government spokesman said.
Priced at HK$9.05 per cubic metre, the city’s water tariff has not been raised since 1995 and remains one of the world’s lowest. But the number of users has since increased from 2.2 million to the current 3.2 million.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the government waived 75 per cent of water and sewage charges for non-domestic households such as care homes.
