Residents served by the iLembe district municipality will pay 13% more for water from July 1, following the adoption of the 2025/26 municipal budget.

The increase, slightly lower than the proposed 13.5%, excludes the Siza Water concession area between Zimbali and Tinley Manor.

iLembe mayor Thobani Shandu said the budget prioritises the vulnerable. Indigent households will receive 10 000 litres of free water monthly and households earning less than R130 000 per year will be exempt from sewer charges.

“The district aims to balance affordability with sustainability – ensuring services reach the most vulnerable while maintaining infrastructure,” said Shandu.

The R1.6-billion budget includes a R357-million capital allocation. Priorities include adding three megalitres to KwaDukuza’s system via refurbishment of the Mvoti Waterworks, and upgrades in Macambini and Mandeni. Blue and Green Drop compliance upgrades are also planned.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA both rejected the budget, criticising the tariff increase and lack of infrastructure investment.

“Only 3.7% of the operational budget is allocated to repairs and maintenance – far below the national benchmark of 8% – posing a risk to our already deteriorating infrastructure,” said DA caucus leader Krsna Sing.

“R110-million in water losses, combined with a debt book approaching R1-billion, underscores the urgent need for strategic interventions, such as prepaid meters, disconnection of illegal connections and improved operational controls.”

ActionSA’s Annet Sewraj took aim at high overtime costs (R28-million) and a poor 42% collection rate.

“Instead of fixing inefficiencies, the district shifts the burden to residents with a tariff hike nearly triple the inflation rate,” said Sewraj.

She also noted vacant revenue management posts remain unfilled despite being budgeted for in 2024.

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