GMM residents must be prepared for tariff hike for services
During a consultation session held at the Ext 18 Community Hall on April 9, the MMC for Revenue Enhancement and Ward 14 Clr Jabu Zwane, addressed residents about the draft budget, which stands at R3.3b for the new financial year.
The Govan Mbeki Municipality has begun consultations on its 2025/26 draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget, inviting community input on the proposed financial framework for the upcoming year.
During a consultation session held at the Ext 18 Community Hall on April 9, the MMC for Revenue Enhancement and Ward 14 Clr Jabu Zwane, addressed residents about the draft budget, which stands at R3.3b for the new financial year.
Zwane clarified that this amount is not available funding but rather the total owed to the municipality by residents. It highlights that the draft budget is unfunded and will require council approval before the new financial year begins on July 1.
Zwane also commended residents from towns such as Secunda, Evander, Leandra, Bethal, and Trichardt for their consistent payment of municipal services and urged township residents to improve their payment habits.
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“We understand the challenge of unemployment and that some households are unable to afford municipal services. Those affected are encouraged to apply for indigent support, which allows the government to assist in covering basic service costs,” said Zwane.
He reminded residents that once approved for indigent status, they must use services responsibly and not exceed the allocated limits, as any excess usage will result in additional charges.
The draft budget proposes the following tariff adjustments for the 2025/26 financial year:
- Electricity: increase by 12.4%
- Water: increase by 15.3% (as per Rand Water’s directive)
- Sanitation: increase by 2.2%
- Waste Management: increase by 2.2%
- Miscellaneous services: increase by 2.2%
In a notable adjustment, property rates for residential properties are proposed to decrease by 5.4%, while rates for all other property categories will increase by 3%.
The municipality encourages all residents to participate in the ongoing consultations to voice their opinions and help shape the final budget.
