RCB delivers utility shock

Despite objection and walkout, the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) approved on Wednesday a drastic increase in water and sanitation charges for its domestic and commercial consumers, effective July 1, 2025, the start of the new fiscal year.

Drinking water charges for cantonment residents will see an increase of 100% to 200%, while conservancy charges (sanitation fees) will go up by as much as 250%. Commercial water charges and sanitation taxes have also been multiplied several times over.

The decision was passed with a two-vote majority during a meeting of the Board. However, the vice president and 10 elected members rejected the decision, submitting a written dissenting note and staging a walkout from the board meeting.

The board meeting, chaired by RCB President Brigadier Ahmed Nawaz, was attended by VP Malik Munir Ahmed and 11 elected members, 12 nominated government members, the RCB President as the thirteenth member, and Cantonment Executive Officer Ali Irfan Rizvi as Board Secretary, along with other officials.

At the outset of the meeting, VP Malik Munir Ahmed objected to the 200% to 250% increase in residential and commercial rates for water and conservancy charges. His objection was supported by the other 10 elected members.

Following the passing of elected member Hafiz Hussain Malik, which reduced the number of elected members by one, the Board Secretary stated that he could call for a vote to approve the proposed water and sanitation charges under the Cantonment Act. In response, the elected members stated, "Take our written dissenting note; we do not accept this decision. We reject it." With this stance, the VP and the elected members boycotted the meeting and left the board hall.

Consequently, the proposal for the significant increase in water charges and sanitation taxes was approved by the majority of the 12 nominated government members and the Board president, who served as the thirteenth member.

Per the approved increases for monthly water charges on residential connections for cantonment residents, the water charges for one to five marla homes have been increased from Rs500 to: Category A: Rs1,250, Category B: Rs1,000, Category C: Rs900, Category D: Rs850, Category E: Rs750.

Furthermore, the fee for new residential water connections has been doubled from Rs5,000 to Rs10,000, while commercial water connection fees have increased from Rs10,000 to Rs20,000. Commercial water charges have also seen a 100% increase, meaning Rs15,000 charges will now be Rs30,000.