Through an interview on Canal N, the Vice Minister of Construction and Sanitation, Christian Barrantespointed out that, in the future, the price of drinking water in the country would be expected to increase. The increase in the value of this good could occur, according to Barrantes, after the studies carried out by the National Superintendence of Sanitation Services (Sunass) to make these rates more realistic in the Service Provider Companies (EPS) throughout the national territory. The study’s approximations, the vice-minister points out, could take a few years. Therefore, if this increase were to occur, it would be gradual.
Weeks ago, Sunass had already warned of a possible increase in drinking water rates due to a provision of the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Sanitation (MVCS). This standard corresponds to the Legislative Decree No. 1620also known as the Legislative Decree approving the framework law for the management and provision of sanitation services. Other entities such as the Ombudsman’s Office had already spoken out about the scope of the law, which they pointed to as a possible cause of the lack of availability of water resources for the supply of drinking water.
MVCS and the solution to the possible increase in drinking water rates
At another point in the interview he gave to Canal N, Christian Barrantes, Deputy Minister of Construction and Sanitationsaid that this entity is working so that, in the event of an increase in drinking water rates, it does not affect vulnerable sectors. The strategy would be to deliver subsidies so that people with fewer resources are not forced to pay a higher amount for services.
Previously, the head of the MVCS, Hania Perez from Cuellaralso spoke about the possible increase in the cost of this service. If this were to occur, he pointed out that people with fewer economic resources would not be affected.
Sunass warned that Legislative Decree 1620 could multiply the price of water by 7
The National Superintendence of Sanitation Services (Sunass) had already emphasized weeks ago that Lime and Callao could experience a rise in the prices of drinking water. The entity indicated that the rate could double in the capital and even multiply the value of this service by 7 in certain regions of the country. In statements to the Diario Gestión, Mauro Gutierrezsuperintendent of Sunass, mentioned that in the case of Lima, Sedapal charges a family that consumes an average of 15 cubic meters per month 65 soles. If an adjustment were applied, the company would have to charge 128 soles.
These comments prompted a response from Lima Drinking Water and Sewerage Service (Sedapal)which emphasized that the Service Provider Companies (EPS) do not have the authority to set drinking water rates and, if this were to happen, the full responsibility would fall on Sunass.
What are the functions of Sunass?
The National Superintendence of Sanitation Services (Sunass) regulates, supervises and inspects drinking water and sewerage services. It also sets rates, ensures the quality of service, protects the rights of users, encourages citizen participation, collaborates in infrastructure planning, carries out awareness campaigns and provides technical assistance to service providers to ensure efficient and sustainable services.
Source: Larepublica
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