Residents of Eldoret have received a major relief after the Environment and Land Court, presided over by Justice Emanuel Washe, suspended the new water tariffs imposed by the Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS). The court issued orders directing the water utility to revert to the old billing system pending the determination of a petition challenging the tariff adjustments.
In a ruling delivered this morning, Justice Washe issued the following key directives:
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The Gazette Notice No. 12825 dated October 21, 2024, has been stayed until the petition is heard and determined.
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ELDOWAS must generate water bills using the old tariffs from October 2024 onwards.
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Consumers are required to pay outstanding bills based on the previous rates to prevent financial loss in case the court nullifies the new tariffs.
The matter is set for further mention on May 13, 2025.
The court's decision comes as a huge relief to consumers, many of whom had protested against the higher water rates and reported harassment by ELDOWAS over noncompliance. Residents had raised concerns that the new tariffs were unfair and financially burdensome, prompting legal action to challenge their implementation.
The ruling means that households and businesses will no longer be required to pay under the contested rates, potentially saving them from unnecessary financial strain.
With the next hearing set for May, the outcome of the petition will determine whether the new tariffs will be upheld or scrapped permanently. Meanwhile, residents have been urged to clear their outstanding bills based on the old rates as directed by the court.
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