eThekwini Municipality’s infrastructure surcharge extension sparks outrage

OVERDUE UPGRADES

- NADIA KHAN [e-mail]

THE eThekwini Municipality has approved a two-year extension of an infrastructure surcharge despite fierce opposition from ratepayer and civic associations, and political parties.

While the municipality claims the surcharge has generated over R600 million for critical water infrastructure projects, it has been argued that residents are unfairly bearing the financial burden of historical mismanagement and poor service delivery.

The municipality's executive committee (Exco) endorsed the extension of the infrastructure surcharge and it was approved during a full council meeting last Wednesday.

According to the municipality, council had adopted a policy to charge consumers an infrastructure surcharge of R1.50 per kilolitre in 2023.

To date, the municipality had generated an income of R623.8 million.

“These funds have been ring-fenced specifically for water and sanitation, and utilised to address a number of mechanical, electrical and electronic related projects. In total, 31 projects have been implemented, and work is ongoing.

“The surcharge will be implemented over a two-year period to provide for a further investment of approximately R490 million, which is critically required to provide continued sustainable provision of water and sanitation services,” read the municipality's statement

The projects included functional upgrades to the Southern Wastewater Treatment Works, rehabilitation of the Umbilo Wastewater Treatment Works, Northern Wastewater Treatment Works and Umdloti Wastewater Treatment Works and catchment, rehabilitation of flood damaged infrastructure in Hillcrest and Glenwood Road, and upgrading of the Ntuzuma Pumpstation.

Cyril Xaba, the eThekwini mayor, said the demand for water and sanitation services continued to increase.

He said the surcharge “would go a long way in maintaining and expanding infrastructure”.