The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) passed its R29.5-billion Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework during the special council meeting last week Thursday.
The EMM’s finance oversight committee’s whip, Clr Neil Diamond, said the budget was 10.9 percent more than that of the last financial year.
He said R2.9-billion of this budget is government allocation and R26.6-billion is revenue generated by the metro.
“In determining tariffs, Ekurhuleni took into consideration the socio-economic condition of our city, including the low levels of disposable income and affordability. We also took into cognisance the cost of providing services,” he said.
He said the increase on some tariffs was done so that the metro would continue providing sustainable services.
- Â The assessment rate was increased by 7.5 percent.
- Â Electricity was increased by 12.2 as per Eskom and in line with National Regulator of South Africa (Nersa).
- Â The water tariff was increased by 14.5 percent.
- Â Sanitation was increased by 9.5 percent.
- Â Refuse removal was increased by 8 percent.
“Cemeteries, libraries and recreational halls, hiring and the use of sports and recreational facilities tariffs were not increased,” said Clr Diamond.
Indigent’s tariffs are as follows:
- Â 100 percent rebates on assessment rates.
- Â Free, 9 Kilolitres of water.
- Â Free, 9 Kilolitres of sanitation.
- Â Free refuse removal.
- Â 100 Kilowatts of free basic electricity.
He said Ekurhuleni has 100 000 registered indigent households.
“The Social Support Package will benefit all residents and will provide free basic services to the residents, which includes the first R150 000 on property value is exempted from assessment rates,” Clr Diamond said.
