Some traditional leaders and residents in Rumphi have asked Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) to reduce its 50% water tariffs increment to 36%.

Speaking during an engagement with the board yesterday executive director for Rumphi Residents Association Walika Mkandawire said that the 50% hike, is too high.

Mkandawire claimed that the board did not do thorough consultations on the matter before coming up with the new tariffs.

"The new tariffs are not affordable, have to be revised," said Mkandawire.

Mkandawire also raised the issue of poor hygiene at the board’s intake asking it to improve.

Acting chief executive officer for NRWB, Francis  Munthali turned down the request, saying that the high cost of commodities has pushed production high, hence previous tariffs were not sustainable.

He added; “The board considered a number factors such as; Covid-19, the war between Russia and Ukraine among others.”

On the issue of poor sanitation, Munthali committed to take action on the matter.