The water regulator in Lesotho said in responses published on Sunday, 18 October, by Lesotho Tribune, that it had approved WASCO's new connection fees without public consultation or prior review by its board. The tariff, scheduled for 1st November 2026, had been withdrawn in a notice dated 15 October.
The currently authorised fees remain in force for all connection applications, according to the notice from the Lesotho Electricity and Water Authority, or LEWA. Customers are asked to disregard WASCO communications presenting the new amounts as approved.
The cancelled tariff provided for a base sum of 3,335.60 maloti, to which 10.35 maloti per additional metre of pipe would be added. The water and sanitation utility has been informed of the withdrawal and must tell its customers the fees that apply.
In its responses to the newspaper, LEWA states that the approval had been given on 25 September by its acting director general. The authority also announces an investigation into the error.
Any future revision must follow the full regulatory process set out in law, the notice reminds. Users with questions about their connection application are asked to contact WASCO.
WASCO is the only licensed operator for regulated urban water and sanitation services in the country, according to LEWA.