The City of Joburg says the tarrif hikes it plans on implementing next month are unavoidable.
The municipality announced that among others the cost of electricity will increase by 12.74 percent, water by 13,9 percent, property rates will go up by 4.6 percent.
“Tarrifs are the lifeblood of local government finances. They make it possible for the city to clean our streets, electrify informal settlements, maintain infrastructure, and expand all services,” said Finance MMC Margret Arnolds during a briefing on Wednesday.
Arnolds said the city took the prevailing economic situation and its effects on the various constituencies it serves.
“We also recognise that every rand charged must be justifiable. We don’t just want to take the money and not justify what we’ve done with it. We must be fair and responsive to the economic realities faced by residents, as well as business,” said Arnolds.
The MMC said the city was fully conscious of an ever growing demand for responsible public spending and will make sure any funds raised will be spent on what they were intended for.
“Through the GLU, a multi-party coalition committed to placing the people of Johannesburg above party politics. Through the GLU, we are driving a common agenda to restore ethical governance, ensure financial prudence, and build a city that leaves no one behind. Whether you are in an informal settlement, whether you’re in a suburb, whether you have a business, or you have a little small spotter shop, we are behind everybody.”
The MMC said the increases were not thumb sucked but arrived at following thorough consultation within the coalition and in line with existing policies.
“The work we do in setting these tariffs is not done in isolation. We don’t get into a room with the CFO and the Mayor and decide this is what the tariffs will be. It is done within the framework of this current government, the government of local unity.
She pleaded with the media to ensure fair coverage on the tariffs and coalition government’s activities in general.
“You are not only reporters of our progress, you are active contributors to the democratic project. You can make the democracy, and you can also break it, by watching reports.You help frame public understanding, understanding that questions our decisions, and amplify the voices of residents. So watching reports is very important. You are the lens through which the public sees and interprets what we do.That is why we are funding this engagement. To ensure that we have accurate, timely, and comprehensive information about the tariff of the 2025-2027 financial year.We want you to walk away not only with the facts, but with the context and clarity neededto help the public make sense of how these tariffs will affect their lives and businesses,” said Arnolds.