Allexer Namundjembo
The Omuthiya Town Council has announced adjustments to its municipal tariff structure and the implementation of a new General Valuation Roll for the 2026/2027 financial year, with the changes taking effect from 1 July to 30 June 2027.
The revised tariffs follow approval by the council and the relevant authorities, and were published in the Government Gazette under Gazette No. 8947, Notice No. 395 (updated Tariff Structure) and Gazette No. 8921, Notice No. 322 (General Valuation).
The council’s public relations officer Martha Andreas said in a public notice that the adjustments were introduced to improve service delivery while providing support to vulnerable residents.
“New relief tariffs have been introduced to support pensioners and people living with disabilities,” Andreas said.
She added that ordinary households would not experience major changes in their monthly water consumption charges.
“There are no major changes to the monthly water consumption prices for households,” Andreas said.
According to the council, the revised tariff structure includes average adjustments to fixed basic service charges and once-off deposits for domestic services. Small tariff changes will also apply to business accounts, government offices, and other general services.
The council further announced that the updated General Valuation Roll will be applied during the 2026/2027 financial year.
Andreas encouraged residents, business owners, and other stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the updated tariffs and valuation information available at the council offices.
She also highlighted the municipality’s debt relief measures aimed at assisting customers with outstanding accounts.
“Residents with outstanding accounts are encouraged to enter into a payment agreement with Council on or before 31 July 2026,” Andreas said.
Customers who enter into approved payment arrangements will be required to complete payment of their agreed balances by 31 December 2026.
Andreas warned that customers who fail to make arrangements or settle overdue accounts could face service interruptions.
“Monthly water disconnections will be strictly applied to all account holders whose accounts are in arrears without active payment arrangements,” she said.
The council also addressed concerns over recent Rates and Taxes appearing on some residents’ monthly statements, explaining that the issue was caused by a system error.
“Council is currently rectifying this error, and the correct old rates will be restored back on next month’s bill,” Andreas said in the notice.
She clarified that the tariff increases were only applied to government accounts, high-income earners, and businesses, and not as a general increase for all residents.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this billing error may have caused our residents,” Andreas said.
The council expressed appreciation to residents for their continued cooperation and commitment to settling municipal accounts.
“The Omuthiya Town Council sincerely appreciates your continued support and commitment to settling your municipal accounts, enabling us to maintain and improve essential service delivery,” Andreas said.
