The City of Joburg announced its rates and services tariff increases on 27 May, appealing to residents to prioritise paying for services.
Electricity would increase by 7.05 percent and tariffs would be applied based on consumption in a bid to reduce electricity usage.
Water and sewerage tariffs were set to increase by 8.9 percent while refuse removal tariffs would rise by six percent and property rates by five percent.
According to the city council, waste removal services will be increased by six percent for domestic customers, and eight percent for businesses and commercial customers.
Making the announcement, MMC for Finance Geoffrey Makhubo said, “I therefore appeal to the residents of Johannesburg to prioritise payments for services as we partner together in developing this great city.” Makhubo said tariffs would be determined based on consumption, explaining that those who use more resources will have to pay more.
He added that the hikes would ensure the city remained a competitive and attractive city to invest in.
However, he said when rates and tariffs were determined, the city council took into account local economic conditions and the affordability of services while looking after the interests of poor households.
Poor households, which faced challenges paying for services, could register for the extended social package to receive free services.
