“Gold” water will make Uzhgorod to take care of the Vodokanal (commentary)

As you know, July 1 brought a "surprise" for Uzhgorod residents. Namely, the figure that is close to UAH 12 per cubic meter of water in Uzhgorod. The tariff is perhaps the highest in the country. We asked the Acting Mayor of Uzhgorod Victor Shchadey to comment on this situation.

"We know that due to the demands of the IMF, tariffs for electricity, gas and water increase throughout the country. If for electricity and gas they rise equally, because the tariffs are common, for water, the NERC (the commission in Kiev) sets a separate tariff for each city and it is required that this tariff must cover the cost. We have a fairly high tariff – more than UAH 11. There are a number of cities, where it is lower. Uzhgorod suffered because of the cost of water from the water utility is very high. Unfortunately, for years, municipality has not paid attention to the waterways, its technical re-equipment. The NERC adopted the tariff, we have no other option. Last month, the power company sent us two letters threatening to disconnect the power (electricity is an essential component of the cost of water supply in Uzhgorod – Ed.) We can do nothing about it, because in the current situation in the country, a request to lower the tariff and make exception for the city is unlikely to be heard. The situation is complicated. Of course, we should appeal to Kyiv, but it is hard to believe that the capital would make an exception for Uzhgorod."

Will this tariff become the impetus to pay more attention to the Vodokanal, to take care of its condition and ways to reduce the cost of water – Uzhgorod.in asked Victor Schadey.

"We have to consider the situation more closely. Over the past 10 years, nobody has paid attention to the water utility, funds have not been invested, and now not only we don’t have uninterrupted water supply, but also the cost of water in Uzhgorod is around UAH 12. It was suggested to once again hear the water utility director at one of the next meetings of the Executive Committee. Because this situation is unacceptable. But I repeat: this is the result of many years of mismanagement…"