BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – Belizeans will be soon paying more for water, but the exact amount will not be known for another month and a half.

Independent expert, Dr Richard Hern, who was appointed to mediate a dispute between the Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL) and the regulatory body, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), handed in his report on Monday in which he recommended a 17.22 per cent rate increase.

In 2009, BWSL applied to the PUC for a 25 per cent increase in water rates, but when the PUC decided last November to grant a 10.6 per cent hike, BWSL objected, triggering a disputes clause in the Water and Sewerage (Tariffs) By-laws.

According to a statement issued by the PUC on Monday, Hern’s recommendations include a total capital expenditure (CAPEX) programme of BZ$40.45 million (US$20.4 million)..

The PUC statement said Hern gave due consideration to the Initial Decision of the PUC, and the objections, comments and information submitted by BWSL and interested parties, in carrying out his review.

The PUC has invited BWSL and any interested party that represents customers of BWSL that together consumed at least 10 per cent of the water sold by BWSL in 2009 to submit comments on Hern’s report by March 1.

It said the final decision will be delivered by March 30.