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A water tap.
eThekwini Metro in KwaZulu-Natal has proposed hefty tariff hikes for basic services, sparking outrage from residents. Mayor Cyril Xaba tabled the city’s R7.7 billion draft budget for the new financial year.
In the draft budget, the city proposes a 10.5% increase for electricity.
Households can expect a 15% increase for water and businesses a 16% hike.
For sanitation, residential customers can expect a 13% increase while business face a 14% increase.
Xaba says the hikes are necessary to address current backlogs, bulk supplier costs, and to stabilise finances.
“This budget addresses the tough times by balancing fiscal discipline with targeted revenue growth aiming to manage high debt while supporting vulnerable households, infrastructure and job creation.”
Residents and businesses will have a chance to have their say on the draft budget during public hearings to be held across the city.
However, eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association President Ish Prahlad says residents cannot afford the proposed hikes.
“You can find money to bring down the increases to a single digit. So, we are not saying don’t give an increase. Give an increase, go 4%, 5%, where people can manage because you can’t have a double-digit increase. It’s ridiculous. People are suffering, and eThekwini is in shambles,” says Prahlad.
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