BUSINESS REPORTER
MUSCAT, JAN 10
The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) has unveiled a series of measures aimed at alleviating the potable water concerns of citizens and residents, while also promoting the sustainable development of the water sector.
Acting in response to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s directives, the Authority has announced that the new measures, effective from February 1, 2024, will focus focus on easing financial burdens, streamlining access, and ensuring equitable distribution, particularly for residential customers.
At the heart of the initiative lies a significant reduction in water connection fees for residential accounts. Customers who have already paid RO 200 or more towards their connection fees are offered a choice: spread the remaining installments under existing regulations or clear the debt in one go. This flexibility empowers individuals to tailor their payments to their specific circumstances.
For non-residential users, a revamped fee structure based on building area now replaces the previous system. This translates to more transparent and predictable costs for government, industrial, commercial, and tourism establishments. Depending on the size of their building, fees range from RO 600 for smaller structures to RO 1,300 for larger ones. This shift toward area-based calculations ensures fairer pricing and eliminates potential ambiguities.
These directives represent a tangible commitment to His Majesty's vision for a sustainable and equitable Oman. By making water access more affordable and accessible, the Authority paves the way for enhanced quality of life for all residents, fostering not only individual well-being but also economic and social growth, said Dr Mansour Talib al Hinai, Chairman of APSR, in a press statement.
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