The R37.5-billion operating budget and the R6.9-billion capital and infrastructure budget were presented by the MMC of Finance, Doctor Xhakaza, at the Eden Park Sports Ground in Katlehong.
Xhakaza says the budget was informed by the views of the residents which they acquired through the IDP and budget consultation processes.
Xhakaza says the National Electricity Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) recently announced a bulk electricity increase of 7.32 per cent.
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“The City will increase electricity by between 5.32 and 8.5 per cent, subject to usage.
“We are also proposing a 12.96 percent increase in water; this is the same increase which was announced by Rand Water.
“Sanitation tariffs will increase by 9 per cent. This is informed by the cost of sewer purification processes undertaken by ERWAT.
“The refuse removal tariff will increase by 7.5 per cent for all users.”
He says there will not be an increase in library and information services, library auditoriums, cemetery and crematoria, the use of arts, culture and heritage facilities nor the hire of parks and facilities.
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“We will continue to provide services at tariffs that are cost-effective but also take into account the affordability levels for our citizens,” he adds.
The Finance MMC says the revised indigent support policy increases the threshold for qualification from R3 200 to R5 090.
“This will increase the number of people who qualify for services.
“To assist the indigent, the amount exempt from property rates increases to R150 000 from R100 000.
“The City will allocate R1.2-b to Human Settlements which will cover the acquisition of land and properties, electrification of informal settlements and the development of mega projects.
“The maintenance of hostels and rental stock will receive R70-m,” he says.
Xhakaza says to upgrade energy infrastructure, the energy department will receive R576-m to enhance the network in Alberton, Benoni, Boksburg, Brakpan, KwaThema and Daveyton.
“It will also assist to broaden lighting to Katlehong, Etwatwa, KwaThema, Springs, Vosloorus and Tembisa.
“We will set aside R678-m towards the improvement of the road network with R2-b in a three-year period,” he added.
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