Deputy minister hits out at bill hikes

Deputy Interior Minister Naris Khamnurak yesterday criticised the Metropolitan Waterworks Administration’s (MWA) and Provincial Waterworks Administration’s (PWA) plan to raise tap water fees.

The minister was responding to media reports that both agencies will seek to increase bills to offset higher costs from energy prices.

Mr Naris said neither has submitted a proposal to cabinet seeking to raise bills. They are not expected to do so because such a move would add to financial burdens on households already struggling with the high cost of living.

MWA governor Manit Panaim yesterday explained why the agency, responsible for providing tap water services to 12 million users in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan, would have to raise water fees that have been capped for 23…