Speak out on City's draft budget

With the City of Cape Town's draft budget for 2025/2026 now open for public comment, residents are being urged to voice their concerns over proposed tariff hikes.

- ERIN CARELSE

The City has proposed an average increase of nearly 8% in commercial and residential property rates from July.

But the real impact on households will vary widely due to major changes in how fixed service charges are calculated. These include new fixed charges for water, electricity, sanitation, and cleaning all based on property values rather than actual usage.

While the City has emphasised its decision to keep electricity tariff increases to just 2% - well below Eskom's 13% hike - many residents say they are alarmed by the overall increase to their monthly bills.

Peter Feasley, of the Fish Hoek Valley Ratepayers' and Residents' Association (FHVRRA), said many households are facing sharp increases.

"Our members are reporting estimated increases of more than 25%," he said. "This is a serious concern, particularly for pensioners and those who have already taken steps to reduce their water and electricity usage."