Tshwane proposes ‘lowest’ property rate increase in history
“An increase of only 2% is proposed for property rates while refuse removal charges will increase by 4.1%."
Tshwane metro mayor Randall Williams said the metro took a firm decision to keep property rates hike as low as possible.
This was announced by Williams on Wednesday, saying this was an effort to help residents manage Eskom’s 15.63% electricity hike.
Williams said the metro took a firm decision to keep the rates hike as low as possible.
“An increase of only 2% is proposed for property rates while refuse removal charges will increase by 4.1%,” Williams said.
“This property rates increase is the lowest in the city’s history.
“Of particular concern, however, was the steep increase of 15.63% in the cost of bulk purchases from Eskom effective 1 April 2021.”
Williams said the metro “had no other choice” but to pass this cost increase on to customers and a tariff increase of 14.59% effective 1 July 2021, was proposed in the draft budget for 2021/22.
Eskom’s tariff hike was not the only binding increase. Similarly, the metro was bound by the tariff increase for bulk purchases of water from Rand Water compelling it to increase the water tariff by 8% while sanitation charges will increase by 10%.
“The compilation of the city’s budget, the draft 2021/22 medium-term revenue and expenditure framework, was challenging. Especially given the current economic environment and the challenges facing property owners and consumers, particularly when it comes to the payment of property rates and service charges,” he said.
“As the consumption of electricity, water and by implication, sanitation, can be managed by residents I implore you to manage and track your consumption.”
He said the metro would continue to scrutinise every budgeted expenditure category to identify savings that could potentially further reduce things such as the property rate increase.
“We will do all we can to ensure that Tshwane is an affordable place to live,” he said.
Should residents wish to comment on the tariff increases, they can do so on the Tshwane website.
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