Water surcharges scrapped, credits coming

Polokwane Municipality resolved last Wednesday during an ordinary council meeting that all water surcharges levied over the last 12 months will be deferred and the consumers’ accounts be credited. No further surcharges will be applicable as from 25 July.
The council resolution of 2012 authorising the surcharges was rescinded after the African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) supported the motion. The Democratic Alliance (DA), however, vehemently opposed the motion. DA councillors Frank Haas and Franco Marx voiced their concern that the decision may have severe financial implications for the municipality. “If consumers receive credit for previously paid surcharges, it would mean that for a few months, some consumers will not have to pay anything,” Marx explained and added that much more water will be consumed while the municipality’s income will decline drastically. “The municipality will also lose income that was budgeted for,” Marx reckoned.
Marx confirmed that the DA is in consultation with its attorneys to consider legal action against the municipality, to have the latest resolution rescinded.
DA councillor, Jacques Joubert said in a media release after the meeting that it is undisputed that Polokwane is a water scarce city and regularly experiences water shortages for up to six days in certain wards. The surcharges were integral in ensuring that residents are discouraged from excessively high water usage that puts a strain on the city’s supply.
In response to the DA’s media release, Polokwane Municipal Manager Dikgape Makobe said that the municipality did not budget for the additional income generated from the surcharges because it could not be quantified in advance. Makobe added that the surcharges were not part of the policy and placed an additional penalty on the public because those that used more water were already penalised by the tariffs that were applicable on a sliding scale.

Story: BARRY VILJOEN
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