Chairperson, there is a standing co-operation agreement in this regard. But the details of working out cost-sharing will come when the business plan has been completed. I think it would be premature for me to give a response on how we will deal with that matter. However, there is a mechanism to work out the cost- sharing burden between countries. Fortunately, the experience that we gained from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project will guide and inform us. But this is still very much in the early stages. These issues come almost towards the end of the process.
In spite of the fact that the Chairperson ruled that I should not answer the question, I am tempted just to say one thing. There is no price increase for water tariffs in the pipeline. This is a long process that starts with the ANC and goes to all stakeholders, then there is consultation with all players, water users and the society of South Africa at large. We cannot just increase water tariffs because any increase in this has an inflationary effect. So, there is no way that we can just take this lightly because this is not a decision we can take lightly.
But I want to say that water boards, on an annual basis, do increase the tariff in line with annual inflation. But this is not a general increase in the price of water. If we were to increase the price of water by way of a general increase, it would then have an impact on the tariffs that the water boards charge.
In other words, the percentages that they demand now to increase their tariffs annually would then be even higher. Let us make an example of the 18 times that has been touted in the media. If we were to do that, it would mean that the prices that we have now would become 18 times higher. When, a percentage is put on that, one would surely come out with a bigger amount.
So, I'm saying that we cannot take that lightly. That is why I was tempted to answer this question, so that people are clear. But if hon members want to pose a new question on this matter, I can come back and explain. Thank you.