Ukrainians have been warned about a significant increase in the cost of water supply. As early as June 1, one of the country’s major cities is expected to see an increase in water and sewage tariffs, with the increase in cost being almost 80%, said the head of the Union of Consumers of Public Utilities Oleg Popenko.
According to information, residents of Kryvyi Rih will receive significantly higher payments for water supply already in the summer. According to the new tariffs, the cost of one cubic meter of water will be 47.61 hryvnias, and the sewage service – 33.83 hryvnias.
In total, the price for the full water cycle will exceed 81 hryvnias per cubic meter, which caused a significant public outcry among the townspeople. Oleg Popenko explained that the main factor in the increase in tariffs was the increase in the cost of electricity, which occupies a significant share in the cost structure of the service.
According to him, the situation in the industry may further deteriorate, and he regards what is happening as the beginning of a systemic crisis in the housing and communal services sector.
The expert also noted that even after the increase, the current tariffs do not cover the real costs of enterprises that provide water supply. Water utilities across the country are actually operating at a loss, which threatens their stable functioning.
In turn, Kryvbasvodokanal explained that uninterrupted water supply directly depends on the cost of electricity. Pumping stations, treatment plants and other equipment consume significant amounts of electricity, and it is electricity that forms about half of the cost of water.
The company emphasized that the previous tariff was formed at a time when the cost of electricity was less than 3 UAH per kW, while now it has approached 10 UAH per kW. Because of this, the gap between real costs and the current tariff has become critical.
Representatives of the water utility said that the tariff increase is not an attempt to increase profits, but is related to the need to ensure the continued operation of the water supply system. Otherwise, the company may face the inability to pay for electricity, which creates the risk of water supply disruptions in the city.
In this case, experts warn, serious consequences are possible – from the lack of water in the taps to disruptions in the work of hospitals, schools and kindergartens, as well as the deterioration of the sanitary situation in the city. The company emphasizes that economic and physical constraints cannot be ignored, even despite public dissatisfaction with the tariff increase.
