The Midvaal Local Municipality (MLM) Council has approved its largest budget in Midvaal’s history: a fully funded R2.240b budget for the 2026/27 financial year.

The budget is set to prioritise crucial investments in water infrastructure, road rehabilitation, public safety and service delivery. The municipality is one of the few in Gauteng to adopt a fully funded budget.

Speaking on water infrastructure, MLM has allocated R91m over the Medium-Term Revenue Expenditure Framework period from the Water Services Infrastructure Grant to replace ageing asbestos water pipes in De Deur, Kookrus and Meyerton Extension Four.

“Additional valve refurbishment projects will be undertaken in Randvaal and Pendale. R44m has been allocated for water meter replacement to reduce water losses and improve revenue collection.”

In efforts to improve road infrastructure, R15m has been allocated to the War on Potholes Campaign, while R41m has been earmarked for road rehabilitation projects. MLM says R15m in grant funding will be used to surface gravel roads in Wards 4, 5 and 11, and a further R23.1m will be allocated for fleet replacement and expansion to strengthen service delivery capacity.

To ensure the safety and security of its residents, the municipality will continue expanding its CCTV camera network into the western and northern regions of Midvaal. A move geared towards enhancing public safety and crime prevention.

MLM says it will continue to invest in the maintenance and upgrading of existing surveillance infrastructure, ensuring that residents benefit from a safer and more secure environment.

“As a caring and compassionate institution, we have sought to keep tariff increases as low as possible while ensuring they remain cost-reflective, as we understand the difficult economic realities facing our residents and businesses.”

The approved tariff increases are 6.5% for assessment rates, 10% for water in line with the increase from Rand Water, 7.5% for refuse collection, 6.5% for sanitation, and 10% for electricity, subject to approval by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa. The municipality says it continues to provide relief to vulnerable residents through a range of support measures.

“Pensioners and qualifying households will continue to benefit from property rates rebates, while approved indigent households will qualify for once-off debt write-offs. In addition, property rates relief remains available to farmers affected by the recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, reaffirming the municipality’s commitment to supporting residents and protecting livelihoods during challenging times.

“Through this budget and the implementation of the Integrated Development Plan, which was also approved, Midvaal remains committed to delivering quality services, investing in critical infrastructure.”