ID :
698666
Wed, 05/21/2025 - 02:35
Auther :
JIJI
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/698666
The shortlink copeid

Tokyo to Waive Basic Water Fees for Summer

Tokyo, May 20 (Jiji Press)--The Tokyo metropolitan government will waive basic water supply charges for all general households in the Japanese capital for four months this summer to cushion the impact of inflation, Governor Yuriko Koike said Tuesday. 

By reducing residents' spending on utility bills during the season, in which intense heat is forecast, the metropolitan government also hopes to encourage the use of air conditioners to prevent heatstroke.

The metropolitan government will submit a supplementary budget bill that features 36.8 billion yen in necessary costs for the program to a regular session of its assembly to be convened in June.

"We will make it (basic water supply fee) free of charge as a temporary measure only for this summer," Koike told reporters at the metropolitan government office. "We want to create an environment in which Tokyo residents can live with peace of mind," she added.

Water bills in Tokyo comprise fixed basic fees and variable charges depending on usage amount. Fixed basic fees are charged based on the size of water pipes. For general households, the monthly basic fee for a 13-millimeter pipe is 860 yen, that for a 20-millimeter pipe 1,170 yen and that for a 25-millimeter pipe 1,460 yen. This summer's program will not waive variable water usage fees.

A similar scheme to waive basic water supply fees will be implemented in areas of Tokyo where the metropolitan government's Bureau of Waterworks does not supply tap water.

According to the Tokyo Fire Department, the number of people taken to hospital by ambulance due to heatstroke hit a record high of 7,993 in the capital in June-September last year.

This summer, the metropolitan government plans to encourage Tokyo residents to use air conditioners proactively to prevent heatstroke.

On Monday, the Liberal Democratic Party, regional party Tomin First no Kai (Tokyoites first group) and Komeito called on Koike to waive basic water supply fees over summer as burdens on households have expanded due to price increases.

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