Borehole owners across the City of Mbombela (CoM) face monthly charges following the approval of a new municipal tariff structure.

From September 1, residential properties will pay R406.50 per borehole, while businesses will pay R877.12 per borehole. Businesses with more than one borehole will be charged between R6 688.15 and R8 953.20.

Councillor criticises penalty on self-sufficient residents

According to Freedom Front Plus councillor Ken Robertson, several areas, including Hazyview, White River, Barberton and various rural communities under the municipality, have been plagued by an unreliable or non-existent supply of municipal water for years.

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“In some areas, tap water is severely contaminated, while other areas receive water by tanker only once a week, and sometimes have to pay for it as well,” he said.

“Due to the municipality’s ongoing failure to provide a reliable water supply, many residents have decided to drill boreholes at their own expense to become self-sufficient.”

Robertson argued that this self-sufficiency ought to be welcomed by the municipality, not penalised.

White River resident Karin Slabbert, who has owned her borehole for 14 years, said she was shocked when she was informed of the new charges.

Hazyview and White River business owners also confirmed that they would be required to pay for having boreholes.

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City and utility clarify billing rules

According to CoM spokesperson Joseph Ngala, borehole owners will be charged because their boreholes draw from water systems managed by the municipality.

He added that Silulumanzi has always charged tariffs for boreholes that fall under its management area.

While Ngala acknowledged that some areas go for days without water, he said this is due to burst water pipes or electricity problems, which are beyond the municipality’s control.

He further denied that water within the municipality is contaminated, saying regular tests are conducted to ensure that the water is safe for consumption.

Silulumanzi responds

Silulumanzi spokesperson Richmond Jele said customers in areas where the utility manages water must obtain written approval before using a water source other than the municipal supply, in terms of the City of Mbombela water supply by-law.

He said the approved 2026/27 Water and Sanitation Tariffs distinguish between municipal water and properties using boreholes or other approved alternative sources.

However, no water tariff or fee is charged simply because a customer owns a borehole.

Sanitation fees apply to sewer connections

According to Jele, borehole users are primarily subject to sanitation charges. Wastewater discharged into the municipal sewer network attracts sanitation charges regardless of the water source, as users must contribute towards the operation, maintenance and treatment of wastewater.

Domestic properties connected to boreholes must be registered with Silulumanzi for sanitation purposes. Under the 2026/27 tariff schedule, such properties are subject to a fixed sanitation/sewer charge of R2 137 per month, in addition to applicable variable sewer charges.

Jele said customers intending to install or use boreholes must comply with relevant legal requirements and, where necessary, consult the Department of Water and Sanitation.

The approval process includes submitting a formal request to Silulumanzi’s customer services department, together with the property description, account details, intended use of the water source and a site plan showing the borehole, storage tanks and related installations.

Silulumanzi assesses each property individually. Business properties are assessed according to the nature of the operation, wastewater volumes and applicable tariff category.