Modjadjiskloof residents cry foul over steep water tariff hikes
Modjadjiskloof residents say they were not informed about steep water tariff increases and are questioning the accuracy of meter readings.
TZANEEN – Residents of Modjadjiskloof have raised concerns about significant increases in water tariffs, saying they were not adequately informed about the changes and are also questioning the accuracy of water meter readings used to calculate their monthly accounts.
The concerns follow the introduction of the 2026/27 Greater Letaba Municipality (GLM) water tariffs, which residents say have resulted in substantial increases in some consumption brackets.
What the tariffs show
According to the municipality’s tariff schedule provided by residents, the household water tariff for Modjadjiskloof increased as follows:
| Consumption | Old tariff | New tariff | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 6 kilolitres | R7 | R11.33 | Around 62% |
| 7 – 10 kilolitres | R7 | R14.85 | Around 112% |
| 11 – 50 kilolitres | R9 | R18.45 | Around 105% |
| Above 50 kilolitres | R11 | R21.50 | Around 95% |
Residents say the increases are concerning, particularly when combined with what they describe as inaccurate meter readings.
One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said households were being charged for significantly more water than their meters showed.
“Each month they charge us for 20 units. When we check our water meter, the reading is about 50 units less than what is shown on our account. How can we be expected to pay for water that our meter does not show?” the resident said.
Another resident questioned why residents were not clearly informed about the tariff changes.
