eThekwini extends water infrastructure surcharge for two years

THE eThekwini council by majority vote approved the infrastructure surcharge, associated with water and sanitation tariffs, for another two financial years at a council meeting this week.

- ZAINUL DAWOOD

In terms of the surcharge, which was implemented in 2023, consumers are charged an extra R1.50 per kilolitre used. To date, the municipality has generated an income totalling R623.8 million.

The municipality said the 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 municipality said in a statement.

It listed some of the projects as Southern Wastewater Treatment Works functional upgrades, rehabilitation of the Umbilo Wastewater Treatment Works and Hillcrest and Glenwood Road rehabilitation of flood damaged infrastructure among others.

In terms of the extension of the surcharge, the municipality is hoping to generate R490 million, which it said was critically required to provide sustainable provision of water and sanitation services.