Ethekwini mayor James Nxumalo has tabled a record R31.3 billion budget that will see Durban’s water, electricity, and refuse tariffs hiked.
Municipal spokesman Thabo Mofokeng said in a statement on Thursday that R26.1 billion of the budget would go to operational spending.
The municipality had allocated R5.2 billion for capital spending. “The capital budget of R5.2 billion is directly informed by the needs submitted by the community and continues to reflect the consistent efforts to address the backlogs in basic services and the renewal of infrastructure of existing network services,” Mofokeng said.
Water tariffs for Durban’s residents were expected to rise by 12.5% while businesses could expect to pay 15.5% more if the budget was approved by the eThekwini council in May.
Electricity tariffs would climb 11% while sanitation tariffs and rates were expected to each rise 6.5%.
Refuse removal tariffs, if approved, would climb seven percent.
Durban’s poorer residents could expect some relief from the hikes with rebates on water and electricity.
The tabled budget would be published for public comments and submissions. The final budget was expected to be approved by council in May.
Durban residents, get ready for price increases
Ethekwini mayor James Nxumalo has tabled a record R31.3 billion budget that will see Durban’s water, electricity, and refuse tariffs hiked.
Municipal spokesman Thabo Mofokeng said in a statement on Thursday that R26.1 billion of the budget would go to operational spending.
The municipality had allocated R5.2 billion for capital spending. “The capital budget of R5.2 billion is directly informed by the needs submitted by the community and continues to reflect the consistent efforts to address the backlogs in basic services and the renewal of infrastructure of existing network services,” Mofokeng said.
Water tariffs for Durban’s residents were expected to rise by 12.5% while businesses could expect to pay 15.5% more if the budget was approved by the eThekwini council in May.
Electricity tariffs would climb 11% while sanitation tariffs and rates were expected to each rise 6.5%.
Refuse removal tariffs, if approved, would climb seven percent.
Durban’s poorer residents could expect some relief from the hikes with rebates on water and electricity.
The tabled budget would be published for public comments and submissions. The final budget was expected to be approved by council in May.
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