Syria regime doubles price of water meters despite mounting poverty
Syria regime doubles price of water meters despite mounting poverty
One source said the price of a water meter is now 52,000 Syrian pounds, more than double the previous price.
2 min read
Syria is plagued by resource shortages and poverty [Anadolu/Getty]
The has more than doubled the price ofÌýdomestic , despite much of the country being submerged in poverty and the effects of a hyperinflation crisis.
A source withÌýthe regime'sÌý-ownedÌýfactories toldÌý°®Âþµº's Arabic sister service,ÌýAl-Araby Al-Jadeed, theÌýprice increase wasÌýdue to production cost rises.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the cost of a meter is now 52,000 Syrian pounds ($14.75), up from a previous price of 25,000 Syrian pounds ($7.09).
They added that, includingÌýthe installation and connection charges, the cost of buying a meter could reach almost 100,000 Syrian pounds ($28.37) – the equivalent of an employee's average monthly salary.
To install a meter, Syrians need aÌýlicence which often requires payingÌýa bribe.
Another source explained the price list available from the Homs province drinking water and sanitation department is from before the price hikeÌýoccurred.
This old list shows that a half-inch-sized meter previously cost around 29,400 Syrian pounds ($8.34) in total to purchase and install.
Though the cost now is over 80,000 Syrian pounds ($22.70), the source explained the price list has yet to be updated since sales have paused.
Russian-backed Syrian regime forces killed 12 civilians, including 4 children, in an attack on an Idlib town in late October, according to a report by Human Rights Watch published on Wednesday.
— °®Âþµº (@The_NewArab)
They confirmed that the water meter price hasÌýdoubled, adding that installation costs differ from city to city.
The defence ministry owns plants and factories producing key materials including those needed to expand water networks.
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