eThekwini Municipality introduces water levy

THE eThekwini Municipality will introduce an infrastructure levy to upgrade ageing infrastructure that affects the efficient supply of water and the treatment of sewage effluent. The levy will be effective from 1 July.

In a statement, eThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela said the levy was approved at a full council meeting on 27 May.

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“The infrastructure levy will be charged at an additional R1. 50/Kl for water and R1. 50/Kl for sewerage disposal. The levy will run for three years to raise approximately R1 billion that will be used to upgrade the City’s water and sanitation infrastructure,” he said.

Mayisela said the municipality has experienced an increased number of faults at pump stations and treatment works which has impacted negatively on the delivery of basic water services.

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“These faults are due to ageing infrastructure but can also be attributed to external factors including vandalism, load shedding, and the population expansion in the municipality,” added Mayisela.

According to the municipality, the levy will ensure infrastructure sustainability to continue with uncompromised water and sanitation service delivery.

Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting