THE City of Johannesburg will not be implementing the fixed surcharge for prepaid electricity as adopted by the Council recently.
The fixed surcharge of R200 per month for prepaid residential and R402 per month for business prepaid customers was approved by the council as part of the annual tariff increases.
The approved surcharge aimed to better align pre-paid tariffs to conventional tariffs was due to be implemented on July 1. However, this has been suspended pending further engagement with all relevant stakeholders.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance, Clr Funzela Ngobeni said that consumers are already burdened by increasing interest rates, pressure on household disposable income and the sluggish economy.
“We heard the voices of the customers through submissions made during the public meetings. While we consider the tariffs to be cost-reflective, we cannot ignore the calls for relief by our residents. Following significant consultation, we have addressed the issues through increased internal efficiencies and passed this benefit onto our consumers,” said Ngobeni.
The City’s overall adopted tariffs demonstrate significant benefits for consumers, as the tariff increases are within the inflation target or below what NERSA, Eskom and Rand Water, had proposed.
Official tariff increases for the City of Johannesburg, which came into effect on July 1 include:
• 5.5 per cent for property rates.
• 13.7 per cent for electricity.
• 7 per cent for refuse removal.
• 9.9 per cent for water.
According to Ngobeni, the City remains cognisant of the tough economic times and is fully aware that many residents have struggled to keep up with their municipal rates and services accounts.
In an effort to provide relief to the most vulnerable of our residents, the City offers a basket of rebates for rates and services under its Expanded Social Package programme.
Over and above this, the City will be implementing debt rehabilitation programme. The broad concept of the programme hinges on an application process that will allow for strained household owners to apply for municipal debt rehabilitation.
Qualifying customers will receive immediate relief through a 50 per cent off the debt write-off. If the customer complies with all the requirements of the programme, which includes keeping their current accounts up to date and allowing for regular inspection of metered services, then the remaining outstanding debt will be written off over a three-year period.
During the month of August, the City will embark on city-wide educational roadshow. The debt rehabilitation application process is set to start in September.
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Get regular news updates sent directly to your inbox: Newsletter-Signup
