DUSHANBE, October 6, 2011, Asia-Plus -- Water fees are expected to rise some 30 percent for residential customers in Dushanbe beginning on October 15.

Shavkat Saidov, a spokesman for the Dushanbe mayor’s office, says new fees offered by Dushanbe’s municipal waterworks (Dushanbe Vodokanal) have already been coordinated with the antimonopoly commission.

“The water fee hike results from the rising cost of electricity and reagents used for purification of water,” said the spokesman, “We also raise rates in order to recoup loans received from the World Bank for implementation of the Dushanbe water supply projects.”

Under the new rates, monthly water fee for residential customers will be 3.50 somoni, previously 2.70 somoni.  Federally funded institutions will pay 1.40 somoni per one cubic meter of water, commercial organizations – 2.71 somoni per one cubic meter of water, and international organizations and diplomatic missions – 2.30 somoni per one cubic meter.