Tariff increases announced
Residents can ready themselves for hefty tariff increases in the next financial year.
The Ekurhuleni Metro’s MMC for finance, Clr Moses Makwakwa, delivered the 2015/2016 budget speech in the council chambers at the Germiston Civic Centre last Thursday.
Makwakwa presented the the Ekurhuleni Integrated Development Plan, as well as the Medium Term Revenue Expenditure Framework (MTREF).
He explained the investments in each department and where council needs to diminish the challenges facing the city.
“I am pleased to report that we have invested R5.2-billion in access to roads, water and sanitation, as well as electricity infrastructure over the years,” he says.
The budgeted revenue for the 2015/2016 financial year totals R29.5-b compared to the R26.6-b in 2014/2015, representing an increase of 10.9%, according to Makwakwa.
The tariff increases are as follows:
- Assessment rates: 7.5%
- Electricity: 12.2%
- Water: 14.5%
- Sanitation: 9.5%
- Refuse removal: 8%
Tariffs that have not increased are:
- Cemeteries, libraries and recreational halls
- Hiring and use of sports and recreational facilities
“Let me confirm that Ekurhuleni remains the most affordable metro in the country in which to live,” states Makwakwa.
“The average monthly bill only increased by R209 since 2011.
“Our residents can attest that Ekurhuleni continues to be a better, liveable place and a city destined for prosperity.”
The MMC says that the MTREF is based on the Growth and Development Strategy (GDS) which is anchored on five pillars, namely:
- Re-Urbanise – to achieve sustainable urban integration
- Re-Industrialise – to achieve job creation
- Re-Generate – to achieve environmental well-being
- Re-Mobilise – to achieve social empowerment
- Re-Govern – to achieve effective cooperate governance
“We are unleashing a radical community economic transformation package of R2.9-b called ‘Mintirho Ya Vulavula’ which seeks to stimulate procurement from pre-qualified businesses owned by youth, women and people with disabilities,” says Makwakwa.
Makwakwa states that they will continue to embrace the principle of ‘the people shall govern’ by ensuring that they consult with Ekurhuleni residents on issues affecting their daily lives.
“As a caring government, we will provide the following package as a relief to impoverished households at the cost of R2.5-b:
- 100% discount on assessment rates
- Free sanitation of nine kilolitres
- Free water of nine kiloletres
- Free refuse removal
- 100 kilowatts of free electricity
All residents of Ekurhuleni will receive:
- First R150 000 on property value exempted from assessment rates
- Free six kilolitres of water and sanitation
- 100 kilowatts of electricity to low end users
- Pensioner’s discount on property assessments
- Churches and NGO’s will be exempted from assessment rates.
“We urge all beneficiaries to use these services sparingly, especially water and electricity,” says Makwakwa.
The listed allocating funds will go to:
- Transport: R825-million
- Roads and Stormwater: R1.2-b
- Energy: R1.4-b
- Water and Sanitation: R1.1-b
- Human Settlements: R579-m
- Community Safety: R128-m
- Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture: R193-m
- Health and Social Development: R104-m
- Economic Development: R149-m
- Information and Communication Technology: R322-m
“The ANC-led government commits to continuously serve the people and build a public service that is more responsive, transformative and accountable,” Makwakwa concludes.
