Lekwa council approves budget with tariff increases
Expect a 9% tariff increase on electricity and 3.4% for water as of July 1.
Consumers within the boundaries of Lekwa Local Municipality will pay 9% more for electricity and 3.4% more for water as of July 1.
The Lekwa Municipal Council has approved the 2026/2027 Budget and Integrated Development Plan (IDP) during a special council meeting held on May 29.
The approval follows the municipality’s IDP and Budget Consultative Outreach Programme, which was conducted across all wards to engage residents on the final budget and IDP.
According to the municipality, inputs received from communities during the consultation process were incorporated into the IDP and budget to ensure that these strategic documents reflect the needs and aspirations of residents.
The approved plans will guide service delivery and development initiatives for the financial year commencing on July 1 and ending on June 30, 2027.
Among the key capital projects funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), with a total allocation of almost R25.7m, are:
- Rehabilitation of the Morgenzon landfill site.
- Fencing of Walter Sisulu Cemetery.
- Installation, refurbishment and desludging of rural VIP toilets, including the provision of chemicals.
- Refurbishment and installation of boreholes in rural and farming areas.
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Lekwa Executive Mayor Sifiso Mngemezulu said that, in addition to the MIG-funded projects, the municipality has allocated R5m from its internally funded budget for the construction of a fire station in Sakhile.
A further R2m has been set aside for the refurbishment and upgrading of gravel roads, among other internally funded projects.
“This is the council-approved programme of action and the final implementation budget and IDP for the current council term, which comes to an end in November. It also lays a foundation for the incoming council; the budget adopted by council is informed by the needs of Lekwa residents.
“Through its implementation, we will continue striving to advance development and build a better Lekwa together,” said Mngemezulu.
The tariff increases are as follows:
• Assessment rates (3.4%)
• Sewerage (3.4%)
• Refuse (3.4%)
• Water (3.4%%)
• Electricity- all basic electricity charges increase with 9.01% in line with NERSA
• Deposits (3.4%)
• Sundry tariffs (3.4%, these are tariffs that are used on a need basis)
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