The Housing Committee of the House of Representatives, headed by Dr. Mohamed Attia El-Fayoumi, approved in principle today a draft law submitted by the government concerning the regulation of the drinking water and wastewater utility.

The draft law includes several sections covering: definitions and general provisions, regulation of the drinking water and wastewater utility, recipients of utility services, licensing for practicing utility activities, accounting and tariffs, industrial wastewater, consumption rationalization, and finally, penalties for violating the provisions of this law.

The draft law stipulates that, without prejudice to the international agreements in force in the Arab Republic of Egypt, the provisions of this law and its annex shall apply to the regulation of all activities and services related to the drinking water and wastewater utility. It also obliges all current service providers operating in this field at the time the law comes into effect to regularize their status in accordance with its provisions within five years from the date of enforcement.

Service providers of drinking water and wastewater are required to apply to the Drinking Water and Wastewater Regulatory Authority and Consumer Protection to obtain temporary licenses within one year from the date the law takes effect. These licenses will be granted under specific conditions, with certain technical requirements being waived during the transitional period. The Council of Ministers may extend this grace period if necessary. The newly established Drinking Water and Wastewater Regulatory Authority will replace the previous body, assuming all its rights and obligations.