Rising living costs included an increase in the City of Joburg (CoJ) tariffs as CoJ tabled its budget on May 22.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance Clr Funzela Ngobeni said authorities had “little option” but to increase the electricity tariff from its originally proposed 12.20 per cent average to a proposed 13.07 per cent across all categories of customers after National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) awarded Eskom a higher inflation hike.
“The backbone for a Johannesburg that works is to be able to deliver effective, efficient and sustainable urban infrastructure,” said Ngobeni.
Ngobeni said the city proposed increases in tariffs for services like electricity, water, refuse removal and property rates.
Also read: CoJ announces R64.5-billion budget
“Given that these tariff increases are determined by external sources, the impact they have on the municipality’s electricity and water tariffs is largely outside the control of the city,” Ngobeni continued.
Joburg Water’s proposed tariff increase remains at a 9.9 per cent increase and is confirmed for the 2019/20 financial year.
The tariff for property rates and refuse removal remain at 5.5 per cent and seven per cent respectively as proposed in the tabled budget.
Ngobeni said the city has had to increase internal efficiencies and will provide relief to those in need through the rebates programme.
“The cost of living remains at the forefront of our thinking and we must remind our residents to use water and electricity sparingly.
“Given the economic conditions faced by our residents, the City will continue to provide relief to our residents through tariff rebates and the extended social package (ESP) programme.
“We will continue to offer free basic water to registered indigent households. The highest allocation of free basic water will be provided to households earning no formal income, receiving up to 15kl of water per month and 150kWh of electricity.
Also read: Yeoville Library extends hours for exam time
“Lower levels of allocations will range between 10kl of free water per month and 12kl of water provided without charge to the most vulnerable in our city,” said Ngobeni.
