February 05, Colombo (LNW): The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) revealed yesterday (04) that its outstanding debt has surged to an alarming Rs. 16 billion, largely as a result of unpaid water bills from consumers.
The Board, which plays a vital role in delivering clean water across Sri Lanka, has been grappling with the increasing burden of unpaid dues from residential and commercial customers alike.
A representative from the NWSDB explained that, over the past few years, the organisation has been incurring substantial interest on loans taken from both local and international sources.
These funds were primarily used to fund a series of large-scale water supply projects aimed at improving infrastructure and extending services throughout the country.
However, the lack of timely payments from consumers has added to the financial strain on the Board, threatening the sustainability of ongoing and future projects.
As a result of this mounting debt, the NWSDB has been forced to implement stricter measures, including the disconnection of water supply to those who have failed to settle their outstanding bills.
This move comes as part of the Board’s strategy to recover the dues owed to it and ensure that it can continue operating effectively.
In a further development, the NWSDB has also indicated that it is considering an adjustment to water tariffs.
The decision to revise the pricing structure is in line with recent changes to electricity tariffs, with the Board’s special committee expected to finalise and announce the specific percentage increase soon.
This move is expected to help alleviate some of the financial pressure the organisation has been facing, but it may also place additional burden on consumers already struggling with the rising cost of living.
