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Herzog: Immediately Freeze the Water Price Hike
Minister Herzog has asked the Prime Minister to immediately cancel the rise in water rates, but at the same time, to significantly increase the price of excessive water use.
"Water is a basic commodity, and is needed on a daily basis. I am convinced that raising the price of water on the scheduled date is a decree that the the poor sectors of society will not be able to cope with."
Herzog, who wants to immediately postpone the price increase, has been working for several months to change the decision made by the Minister of Infrastructure and the National Water Authority. A few weeks ago, he even approached the Prime Minister, asking to hold an emergency meeting on the matter. Herzog claimed that the decision to increase the price of water was made without consulting with the Ministry of Welfare or the National Insurance Institute, in order to understand the possible ramifications of such a decision, in terms of the poor sectors of Israeli society.
After speaking with the Prime Minister, Minister Herzog. the Director General of the Welfare Ministry, and the Director General of the Natoinal Insurance Institution met with the Director of the National Water Authority, Professor Uri Shani, and his staff, in order to discuss the affects a reform in water prices would have on Israeli households.
Herzog presented the findings of two studies conducted by the National Insurance Institute. The studies concluded that the expected increase in water rates will be an unbearable burden for the poorest tenth percentile of the population. A simulation that was enacted by the NII found that the price of water will increase by 40% in 2010, and that will subsequently increase by one third the number of poor families and individuals in Israel.
Herzog suggested changing the way the water rates are calculated, so that the basic rate will be lower than the rate that appears in the reform, but that the rates for excessive water use be significantly raised. The goal is to make it possible for every household to allow itself normal water consumption.
"Water is a basic commodity, and is needed on a daily basis. I am convinced that raising the price of water on the scheduled date is a decree that the poor sectors of society will not be able to cope with," said Herzog. "The data provided by the National Insurance Institute only strengthens my prediction that the decision will increase poverty in Israel, and cause financial crises for many families, senior citizens, and other poor individuals. My proposal is fair, and more just from a social perspective, as it determines the water rate according to the number of people living in a household. However, in the case of excess water consumption, the price will rise significantly. Each family will be able to make an independent decision regarding the extent of their water use."