Raw water charges set to increase for 2017/18

Role players from different sectors such as Forestry and Mining met at the Birchwood Hotel to listen to the proposed raw water use charges proposed by the department.

The consultation process started on July 4 and ran until August 15, with 26 meetings held in different provinces.

The Department of Water and Sanitation Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Water and Trading Entity, Mpho Mofokeng, said this was the last consultation meeting they held before he meets with the Minister of Water and Sanitation to discuss the outcome of the meeting held with different sectors.

“Issues raised on the regional consultation meeting were that there is a national challenge whereby users are using beyond their licence application and the department needs to do something as this disadvantages others in good standing,” Mofokeng said.

The response from some of the issues raised was that compliance and enforcement has been strengthened and a strategy has been developed to resolve the matter.

Other issues raised during consultation meeting were that users are willing to make payments but wrong information is reflected on the statements.

In terms of tariffs, users said it was too high, which according to them will have negative results for the irrigation sector and a treat to food security.

The proposed water charges for 2017/18 for domestic and industrial sector proposed charges ranges from 0 per cent to 68 per cent increase and recommendations are for 0 per cent to 17 per cent.

“We have engaged with different sectors to hear their views on the proposed tariff increase for 2016/17.

“We are glad that in our entire consultation meetings everything went well, our members from different sectors listened and voiced their grievances.

“All what is left is to take the information forward and see what decision we come up with to meet everyone half way,” Mofokeng said.