(Barbados Nation) Barbadians can expect a 60 per cent increase in water rates from today.

Acting Minister of the Environment, Water Resources and Drainage, Senator Haynesley Benn, revealed the approved increase by Government at a two-day Water Operators Conference at Divi Southwinds Beach Resort, St Lawrence, Christ Church.

“I am trusting that once the rates go up, I suspect from just B$20 a month, it’s going to go like B$32. Don’t bother about the percentage increase, dollar value, B$20 to B$32 sounds steep to some people, but I’m hoping that they would minimise our use of water. We must not be forever labelled a water scarce country,” he added.