ABOVE INFLATION Concerns rise over city’s proposed tariff increases

THE eThekwini Municipality’s proposed tariff increases have been met with concern as residents and businesses continue to battle the rising cost of living.

- NADIA KHAN

In a joint statement, the DA said the urgent need to revitalise ageing infrastructure particularly electricity, roads, and water, had resulted in the proposed essential tariff adjustments.

“It said such adjustments had been “well calculated to ensure both cost-effectiveness and affordability for residents and businesses.”

The proposed tariff increases for the 2025/26 financial year are 6.5% with 14.9% adjustments to electricity, 9.75% to water, 16% to refuse removal (16%), refuse removal: domestic (9.9%) and sewerage (11%), and sanitation: domestic (13%) and business (14%).

“These adjustments are essential to ensure the sustainable delivery of essential services and the long-term viability of municipal infrastructure,” read the city statement.

The DA pledged to conduct a comprehensive and inclusive public participation process with residents and businesses.

Reaction

Ish Prahladh, president of the eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association, said double figure tariff increases could not be accepted.

“The economy is down, there is no employment and businesses are closing due to a poor economy. There is definitely going to be an uproar. We will be having meetings with our affiliated associations to discuss a way forward.

“In addition the city has a lot of unnecessary expenses such as the R2.8 million rebranding project which can be curtailed so there is less of a burden on ratepayers and business owners,” he said.

Dhanasekhar Bandew, secretary of the Verulam Civic Association, said the proposed increases was “unjustified and tone-deaf” to the realities of residents.

“Many communities across eThekwini, including Verulam, continue to feel the economic aftershocks of the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2021 unrest, and multiple floods. Against this backdrop, the municipality’s proposal to increase tariffs would place an unsustainable burden on households already struggling to make ends meet.