Presenting the 2019/2020 budget for approval last Thursday, the mayor of the Greater Tzaneen Municipality, Maripe Mangena, stated that water utility prices will climb by 5,6% in all towns except Haenertsburg which will soar to 101,7%.

The tariffs for Haenertsburg have been increased to be in line with the purchase cost. “The updated tariffs have been presented to the community of Haenertsburg during the public participation process. The water tariffs for Haenertsburg are based on the cost of purified water purchased from Lepelle Northern Water,” he said.

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Mangena said that electricity tariffs will go up 13,07% on average as per the National Energy Regulator (NERSA) guideline. Sanitation will increase by 5,6% whilst refuse removal will also go up by 5,6%.

In greater Letaba municipal areas, residents are expected to pay a flat rate of 5,2% for all municipal services and tariffs in the new financial year. In greater Giyani, property rates, water, sanitation and refuse removal will also go up by 5,2%. The tariff and rates increase are necessitated by amongst others, inflation.

“When inflation rises, the cost of the delivery of services also increase. These include labour costs, maintenance and running costs. All these factors call for an increase in user charges,” said the mayor of Greater Giyani Municipality, Basani.