Kumamoto City announced plans to reduce water charges for approximately 340,000 households for three months to ease the impact of rising living costs. Funded by about ¥1.2 billion in national subsidies, the measure will waive the basic monthly water fee—typically around ¥990—resulting in savings of roughly ¥3,000 per household. Households not connected to the municipal water system will receive equivalent support through sewerage fee reductions. The program is scheduled to begin in autumn 2026 following required system modifications. Mayor Kazufumi Onishi said the city aims to implement the measure as early as possible while ensuring system reliability. Source: Yomiuri Shimbun / Nikkei
Photo: Fukuoka Now
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