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Johannesburg’s Proposed 13.9% Water Tariff Hike Sparks Backlash Amid Growing Financial Strain
Johannesburg residents are gearing up for a potential 13.9% increase in water and sanitation tariffs, a move that has sparked widespread concern. Set for the 2025/2026 financial year, this proposed hike is significantly above the current inflation rate of 3% to 6%, raising alarms about its potential impact on already stretched household budgets.
A Growing Financial Burden
The proposed water tariff hike has left many residents and advocacy groups worried about the financial strain it will place on households, particularly among lower-income communities. Dr. Ferrial Adam, Executive Manager of WaterCAN, voiced concerns about the steep increase, emphasizing that such hikes are unsustainable for many families already struggling with the high cost of living.
“For many families, this isn’t just a budget line item. It’s a matter of health and dignity,” Dr. Adam explained. She warned that the hike could force residents to make difficult choices, such as limiting their water usage for drinking, cooking, and hygiene – decisions that could have severe public health consequences.
Also Read: Water Outages Hit Joburg South as Eskom Begins Maintenance
City’s Rationale and Financial Struggles
Joburg Mayor Dada Morero acknowledged the challenges faced by residents, noting the financial pressures imposed by suppliers like Rand Water and Eskom, both of which have also proposed substantial price increases. However, Morero defended the city’s proposed tariffs, stating that they were still below the recommended increases from these suppliers.
“The city has already reduced its rates from 5.6% to 4.6% for certain services, and we’re doing everything possible to alleviate the burden on residents,” he said.
Rand Water has cited rising raw water costs and escalating energy expenses as key factors driving the proposed increases. The utility also highlighted the issue of non-revenue water losses, where more than 45% of potable water is lost, further driving up costs.
Joburg Water’s Turnaround Strategy
To address long-standing water infrastructure issues, Johannesburg Water has put forward a turnaround strategy. One major component of this plan is ring-fencing revenue, which ensures that money generated from water and sanitation services is reinvested back into these services, specifically targeting infrastructure improvements.
Nombuso Shabalala, a spokesperson for Joburg Water, explained that this strategy would promote financial autonomy for the utility, enabling it to better manage its income and expenses. The tariff increases are a necessary step to ensure the sustainability of the water service and the continued delivery of vital services to residents.
Public Participation and Future Decisions
While the city’s proposed budget for 2025/2026 includes the tariff increase, it will not be finalized until after a period of public participation, which runs from March 29 to May 10, 2025. The city has urged residents to provide feedback, though there is no guarantee that their concerns will lead to changes in the final proposal.
City spokesperson Virgil James emphasized that if public participation shows widespread opposition to the increase, the final draft could be adjusted accordingly.
Concerns About Social Support Packages
One major issue raised by critics is the accessibility of the Free Basic Water (FBW) package, which is supposed to help low-income households. Dr. Adam pointed out that many residents who qualify for FBW assistance are not registered, leaving them without access to crucial subsidies. She stressed the need for better management and distribution of the city’s resources to ensure that those who need support the most receive it.
Political Reactions and Calls for Change
Political leaders, including Maureen Mnisi from the Democratic Alliance, have labeled the proposed hike as an unjust burden on vulnerable communities. Mnisi called for more efficient management of public funds and accountability for the mismanagement of city resources.
“The increases would exacerbate hardship for unemployed and underpaid residents, forcing them to choose between basic necessities,” Mnisi said.
A Critical Moment for Johannesburg
As Johannesburg grapples with the proposed water tariff increase, residents, advocacy groups, and city officials remain divided. While the need for infrastructure investment and financial sustainability is clear, the proposed increase highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to protect vulnerable communities from further hardship. With the public participation process underway, the outcome will be crucial in determining whether this water tariff hike becomes a reality or is adjusted to meet the needs of all residents.
{Source Daily Maverick}
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