Residents and business owners in Alberton are questioning the City of Ekurhuleni’s latest municipal tariff increases, saying they are being asked to pay more despite ongoing service delivery challenges and repeated electricity outages.

The new tariffs came into effect on July 1 and include increases of 8.76% for electricity, 11% for water, 8.35% for sanitation, 3.4% for refuse removal and 1.5% for property rates.

The city said the increases form part of its approved 2026/27 budget and are intended to strengthen service delivery, maintain infrastructure and support the municipality’s financial sustainability.

It also said the tariffs were approved after considering affordability concerns raised during the public participation process.

However, many residents who spoke to the Alberton Record believe the increases are unfair given the current economic climate and the level of service they receive.

Alberton businessman Eugene Jackson said the increases place unnecessary pressure on households and local businesses.

“As a businessman in Alberton, I do not believe these increases are justified. The increases simply do not match the level of service delivery that residents and businesses are receiving from Ekurhuleni.

“With inflation already placing pressure on households and businesses, these tariff increases place even more strain on people’s pockets. When residents have less disposable income, they spend less, and local businesses ultimately suffer as a result,” he said.

Jackson said many of the increases are well above the inflation rate.

“Those who already pay their municipal accounts faithfully are once again expected to carry a greater financial burden while service delivery continues to decline. In my opinion, residents and businesses deserve better value, improved service delivery and greater accountability before such substantial increases are imposed.”

Resident Mantsheke Pheke shared similar concerns.

“I don’t think the increases are justified. The increase is going to affect me too much as everything is going up. I won’t be able to afford some of the things for the house because of the increase. For me, it’s worse because even the interest rate has gone up. Yoh, it’s too much.”

Another resident, Mpho Posholi, said electricity and water costs have already become unaffordable.

“The increase is not justified, especially with water and electricity. We are already paying too much,” Posholi said.

Alberton resident Phuti Seboni believes better service delivery should come before any tariff increases.

“The 11% water and 8.76% electricity increase is too high right now with the cost of living. We need to see better services before paying more,” Seboni said.

Residents said their frustration has been heightened by recurring electricity outages that have affected Alberton since June 24.

The latest outage began on June 30, leaving some areas without electricity until July 2, while other affected suburbs are expected to have power restored on July 3.

Many residents said the prolonged outages have reinforced their belief that the municipality should prioritise reliable service delivery before increasing tariffs.

“A clear, repeating outage pattern is emerging between Germiston and Alberton, and it’s becoming difficult not to question what’s really happening.

“Is this just another form of loadshedding? Another increase from Eskom and paying for services we don’t receive. Where is this going to end?” said Anél Fleming.

Nikki Taylor said the outages have become increasingly disruptive.

“Seems to be getting worse and worse, these power outages, and for extremely long periods of time. Alberton – city of ongoing candlelights,” she said.

For André Hattingh, the outages have also had a financial impact.

“Always the same area with the same issue. Also, the Vodacom tower in Alberton North is off. So no communication and no power. We’re sitting and losing money,” he said.

Rika Bezuidenhout summed up her frustration in just two words: “Always Alberton.”

Diane Bartlett, from Alrode, said residents there had also endured extended outages.

“We have been out in Alrode since Saturday, and the municipality just keeps closing our logged call,” she said.

Although the city has encouraged qualifying residents to apply for indigent support and debt rehabilitation incentives, many residents say they want to see meaningful improvements in service delivery before being asked to pay more for municipal services.