RESIDENTS will be charged an additional R1.50 per kilolitre infrastructure surcharge for the next two years.
The decision was taken at the recent municipal Executive Committee (Exco) meeting, in a bid to continue addressing water and sanitation service delivery matters, including ageing infrastructure.
Also read: Taxi strike set to continue until tomorrow
In 2023, council adopted a policy to charge consumers an infrastructure surcharge of R1.50 per kilolitre, through which eThekwini Municipality generated an income, totalling R623.8m.
In a statement, the eThekwini Municipality said, “These funds have been ring-fenced specifically for water and sanitation and utilised to address a number of mechanical, electrical and electronic related projects.
In total, 31 projects have been implemented, and work is ongoing.
The projects include:
- The Southern Wastewater Treatment Works functional upgrades
- Rehabilitation of the Umbilo Wastewater Treatment Works
- Rehabilitation of the Northern Wastewater Treatment Works
- uMdloti Wastewater Treatment Works and catchment
- Hillcrest and Glenwood Road rehabilitation of flood-damaged infrastructure
- Ntuzuma Pumpstation upgrade
It is proposed that the surcharge on both water and sanitation tariffs be continued for a period of two years, using the same rate of R1.50, excluding VAT, to ensure that necessary funding for these critical projects is generated.
Also read: Water cuts return to eThekwini
Over and above the grant and internal funding sources, this surcharge will provide the Directorate with an additional funding source to facilitate the replacement of M&E assets, ensuring sustainable provision of water and sanitation services.
eThekwini Mayor, Cyril Xaba, said the demand for water and sanitation services continues to increase and this surcharge will go a long way in maintaining and expanding infrastructure.
“It would also assist us to curb water losses and sewer spillages as a substantial amount will go towards repair and maintenance,” he said.
For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.
