Many residents will notice they are no longer receiving 6kl free water when they receive their monthly municipal accounts this month.
The annual municipal tariff increases took effect on July 1. In order to cushion indigent residents from these increases, the city has revised its policy on the provision of 6kl free water to all residents so more indigents can be accommodated.
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This was announced by the member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for finance and economic development, Clr Doctor Xhakaza, during the budget speech.
Therefore, residents who are not registered indigents and whose property value exceeds R750 000, will notice from their monthly statements they are charged for all consumed water and sanitation.
To accommodate more destitute members of society, the city has also increased the minimum income threshold for indigents from R3 200 to R5 090.
Xhakaza said although the city has provided all its ratepayers with free basic water the past decade, the practice was in contrast with national policy.
“The national allocation to municipalities excludes non-indigent households,” said Xhakaza, as he explained why Ekurhuleni had to reconsider its policy.
The water tariff has also increased by 12.96 per cent on July 1, which is the same increase announced by Rand Water, the city’s bulk water supplier. Sanitation tariffs increased by nine per cent, which is informed by the cost of sewer purification processes undertaken by Erwat.
Properties which use water for household purposes, including old age homes and hostels, are charged on a sliding scale – R10.21 per kilolitre for 0 to 6kl per month consumption to a maximum of R31.60 for 46kl or more kilolitre consumption per month.
Property owners are liable for the cost of relocation of a meter if the meter becomes inaccessible due to the installation of a fence or wall. The same applies to the replacement of a water meter where a water connection exists as well as testing of a water meter for accuracy.
