The Democratic Alliance firmly rejects the draft tariff increases proposed by the ANC/EFF/PA/ActionSA coalition government in Johannesburg. These above-inflation hikes will plunge residents deeper into financial distress while service delivery continues to deteriorate.
The draft tariffs confirm what we’ve long warned this coalition is tone-deaf to the economic realities faced by ordinary residents. The City proposes:
- A 13.9% increase in both water and sanitation tariffs, with the removal of the 6kl free allocation if water restrictions are declared starting at level 1 restrictions at R3.90 per kilolitre.
- A 6.6% increase for refuse collection, despite ongoing failures by Pikitup.
- Electricity increases ranging from 12.74% to over 18%, with pre-paid users being hit hardest including a staggering 38.46% jump in the capacity charge.
- Property rates up by 4.6%, with schools now being charged more, both public and private which will ultimately impact parents and learners.
These increases are unjustified while residents still endure frequent water outages, load-shedding, uncollected waste, and unaffordable bills based on estimated readings.
While the draft seems to give relief for pensioners aged 60-69 is welcomed by the DA, the city has no clear plan to ensure that the indigent register is updated, to ensure that residents who should be on the indigent register get the support from the City it needs. The DA calls on every Joburger to submit objections to these proposed tariffs. We will not allow this coalition to balance its books on the backs of struggling households. We will continue to fight for fair, transparent, and affordable municipal services and a City that works