ISLAMABAD, Jan 29: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to increase water charges and sewage tax by 40 per cent in the budget 2003-2004, an official of the CDA water supply directorate told Dawn.

The official said the CDA would soon send the proposal to the interior ministry for approval.

The authority had already revised water rates in the year 2000 by 100 per cent and these were being revised again to bring them on par with the rates being charged in other cities of the country.

Another official of the authority said the water supply rate of the CDA was still eight times less than that being charged in other cities like Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, etc.

Some of the consumers complained that they were receiving water bill of Rs450, which was Rs14 about 15 years ago.

Following is the comparison of the present and the proposed water supply rates per 1,000 gallons depending upon use:

Present Rate New Rates

Domestic use (metered supply)

Upto 5,000 gallons Rs 16 Rs 24

5,001-20,000 gallons Rs 20 Rs 28

20,000 and above Rs 24 Rs 34

Un-metered supply:

Less than 250 sq yards Rs 192 Rs 287

500 to 999 sq yards Rs 280 Rs 400

2,000 and above sq yards Rs 756 Rs 1,100

Commercial rates:

Upto 5,000 gallons Rs 28 Rs 40

5,001-20,000 gallons Rs 32 Rs 45

20,000 and above Rs 40 Rs 58

Un-metered supply:

Single Shop Rs 104 Rs 150

Laundry/dry cleaning Rs 1,728 Rs 2,500

Cafeteria Rs 288 Rs 400

Restaurant Rs 1,728 Rs 2,500

Petrol pump with service station Rs 576 Rs 820

Soda water/Ice cream manufacturer. Rs 1,848 Rs 1,700

All shopping centre Rs 1,440 Rs 2,000

Industrial:

Upto 5,000 gallons Rs 28 Rs 40

5,001-20,000 gallons Rs 32 Rs 45

20,000 and above Rs 40 Rs 60

Un-metered supply:

Industrial using water for

drinking & toilet purpose. Rs 1,200 Rs 1,700

Industries where water is partially

used for manufacturing purpose. Rs 2,400 Rs 3,600