#Reportback: Water tariff increases need to be cushioned
'We will be signing a petition to iLembe to consider reducing the tariff increase on water and sanitation in the 2024/2025 draft budget' - iLembe Democratic Alliance caucus leader, Krsna Sing.
The Democratic Alliance in iLembe has rejected a 9.5% water/sewer increase in the draft 2024/25 budget for the following reasons:
1. Although the increase on water and sanitation in the draft budget is 9.5%, one must take into account the consumer price index is fluctuating from 4 to 6%. Any increase above that is simply unaffordable.
2. No measures were put in place to cushion the increase in form of a rebate, as in sanitation calculated on property value. At least R100 000-R150 000 should be waived from the total amount from which the sewer tariff is calculated.
3. A staggered policy on sanitation to assist the elderly who are older than 60 but who are not indigent should be developed. For example, if combined income is R5 000 or less per month, regardless of the value of the property.
4. We further call on council to consider:
• 60+ years – 25% rebate on sewer charges.
• 65+ years – 30% rebate on sewer charges.
5. Council should review the indigent policy every two years instead of annually. It makes sense and eliminates unnecessary administration costs and delays in processing the indigent application before one qualifies for the standard benefits.
6. That an indigent household should always enjoy 10kl of free water every month even if they have been disconnected, which is not the case currently.
Policy review is required to give effect to basic human rights.
Furthermore the threshold to qualify should be upped to R5 000 per month combined income. Last year the DA proposal from R4 000 to R4 500 was accepted and approved by council.
These are realistic approaches given the low collection rate and tough economic conditions.
7. More aggressive collection campaigns need to be put in place without fear or favour. Strengthen the finance department. Selective write-offs must be discouraged and should be fair to all.
We will be signing a petition to iLembe to consider reducing the tariff increase on water and sanitation in the 2024/2025 draft budget. Some sort of cushioning is essential otherwise policies should be revisited.
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