Tshwane proposes rates increase
Tshwane metro wants to increase its electricity tariff by 12% and water by 5,9% from July. This is detailed in the municipality’s proposed draft budget report tabled in council and is now open for public comment.
The Tshwane mayor has encouraged residents to participate in the public meetings on the draft city rescue budget.
The meetings at yet to be confirmed venues from April 9-24 will also discuss the integrated development plan (IDP).
Tshwane approved its 2024/25 draft budget and IDP on March 27 for the public to give their input.
The meetings will be held at five venues in the metro on April 9 and 10 while several others are scheduled across the metro until April 24.
The proposed budget introduces various increases including:
– 12% for electricity
– 5% for property rates
– 5% for refuse removal
– 5.9% for water
– 5.9% for sanitation
The increases if passed, will take effect on July 1.
VF Plus councillor Awie Erasmus said his party is in discussion with its coalition partners to “ensure the best interest of the residents are at the heart of the budget and it can be taken forward in a sustainable manner”.
The coalition government tabled a draft budget of R50.6-billion – an operating budget of R48.3-billion and capital infrastructure investment budget of R2.3-billion for the 2024/25 financial year.
Mayor Cilliers Brink said the approval of the draft budget is an important victory for locals as it starts the process of funding service delivery the metro intends to roll out from July 1.
He said the draft budget is geared towards stabilising metro finances by ensuring that services are rendered within financial limits.
He said the metro would “engage robustly with communities to ensure that the voices and needs of our residents are fully represented in the IDP and budget”.
Chairperson of the IDP committee Nicolaas Pascoe welcomed the approval of both IDP and budget.
He said this means that the Office of the Speaker will now start public consultation meetings throughout the seven regions of Tshwane, both in person and virtually.
“The purpose of hosting virtual and in-person meetings is to ensure that all residents are given the opportunity to partake in this significant process that has a direct impact on their lives by commenting on developments,” said Pascoe.
The first meeting on Tuesday, April 9 will be at 18:00 in the Kudu Building, Sinoville.
– See list of meetings per suburb online on www.rekord.co.za
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