The Auditor General’s Department states that due to 30% of the water distributed by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board not being calculated, consumers are spending more on their water bill.
Consumers are paying an additional Rs. 5.50 per unit of water due to this, Auditor General H.A.S. Samaraweera said adding that in Colombo alone 50% of the supplied water is not calculated.
He stated that in developed countries this percentage stands between 15%-17% and that the situation in Sri Lanka is regrettable.
The Auditor General pointed out that the over 75 year old pipeline system in Colombo, faulty pipelines and illegal obtaining of water has affected this situation.
Drinking water needs of 35% of the country’s population is fulfilled by the water board. The expenditure of the water board includes power utility, chemicals and employee maintenance which are deducted from consumer water bills.
However, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board says it has directed its attention towards existing problems and has commenced a project to renew the water pipeline system in and around Colombo.
