The Water Services Regulatory Board (Wasreb) is a non-commercial State Corporation established in March 2003 as part of the comprehensive reforms in the water sector. The mandate of the institution is to oversee the implementation of policies and strategies relating to provision of water and sewerage services. Wasreb sets rules and enforces standards that guide the sector towards ensuring that consumers are protected and have access to efficient, affordable and sustainable services.
Vision
To be a model regulator of water services
Mission
To regulate water services to ensure universal access in line with the human right to water and sanitation
Mandate
The Water Act 2002 confers the Regulatory Board with powers to:
- Issue licenses for the provision of Water Services
- Determine standards for the provision of Water Services to consumers
- Establish procedures for handling complaints by consumers against licensees
- Monitor compliance with established standards for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of facilities for Water Services
- Monitor and regulate licensees and to enforce license conditions
- Advise licensees on procedures for dealing with complaints from consumers and monitor how these procedures are operationalised
- Develop guidelines for fixing of tariffs for the provision of Water Services
- Develop guidelines for, and provide advice on, the cost-effective and efficient management and operation of Water Services
- Develop model performance agreements for use between licensees and Water Service Providers (WSPs)
- Monitor the operation of agreements between Water Services Boards (WSBs) and Water Service Providers (WSPs) and take appropriate action to improve their effectiveness
- Develop guidelines on regulations for the provision of Water Services to be adopted by licensees
- Disseminate information about Water Services
- Promote water conservation and demand management measures
- Monitor, and from time to time re-assess, the National Water Services Strategy
- In accordance with the National Water Services Strategy, determine fees, levies, premiums and other charges to be imposed for Water Services
- Gather and maintain information on water services and from time to time publish forecasts, projections and information on Water Services
- Liaise with other bodies for the better regulation and management of Water services
- Advise the Minister concerning any matter in connection with Water Services.
Core Values
- Responsiveness – being sensitive to the needs of customers, other stakeholders and the environment.
- Innovation – encouraging and rewarding creativity and positive risk taking
- Fairness – acknowledging diversity of views and opinions; and promoting social equity and regional balance in approach to regulation
- Accountability – being transparent and accountable in the use of resources entrusted to the organisation
- Team Work – supporting each other and harnessing different skills to create a superior performance culture
- Integrity – embracing honesty and truthfulness in discharging responsibilities.