Jordan: The Government will be obliged to make difficult decision regarding increasing water prices

The Minister of Water and Irrigation, Eng. Raed Abu Al Soud, said that the rise of electricity prices is one of the factors that will affect water tariffs. The decision to raise water prices is difficult. The Government cannot afford to continue to subsidize the water sector. Salary increases for approximately 3000 staff at the Ministry is another major factor contributing to a likely increase in water prices. The Minister assured people that the majority of water users (74%) will not be significantly affected. The costs of water supply and sanitation is exceeding 1.10 JD, while the Ministry receives back around 0.5 JD. The last modification to water prices occurred in mid-2005 and was implemented in the first quarter of the 2006.