Lekwa announces proposed tariffs

The Lekwa Local Municipality is introducing the new proposed tariffs for the 2025/26 financial year. During an IDP and budget meeting in Ward 10, MMC Thabang Motaung announced the proposed tariff increases for this year.

The LLM proposed a 12.7% increase in electricity tariffs, a 4.4% hike in water tariffs and a further 9% increase in sanitation rates.

Furthermore, the 4.4% property rate increase was announced and met with protest by VF+ Clr Dankus Venter. In a recent media release, Venter referred to the rise of property rates as ‘a slap in taxpayers’ face’.

According to Venter, the purpose of property tax is to fund services within the municipality, such as streetlights, road refurbishment and general maintenance.

“The reality in Lekwa paints a completely different picture, with pothole-riddled roads and non-functional street lights,” said Venter.

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He also stated that refuse collection in Standerton is irregular and could pose possible health risks. He believes that it is unfair for residents to pay for services that they do not receive.

In his message, he highlighted the state of the community’s recreational areas, which regularly suffer vandalism. In a powerful statement, Venter highlighted that the municipality burdens those who already regularly contribute, in the place of addressing shortcomings of the municipality itself.

The VF+ demands that the municipality cut back on wasteful expenditure, hold incompetent officials responsible and deliver the services that are being payed for.

“We will not stand idly by while communities fall apart and taxpayers’ money is squandered,” concluded Venter.

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