Deadline nears for eThekwini residents to comment on City's proposed tariff hikes

In the R52.3 billion draft budget for 2020/21, the City wants an increase of 6.9% for electricity, 9.9% for water, 9.9% for refuse collection and sewage.

Chick here to comment on the proposed tariff hikes. 

City spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela says the increases are beyond their control.

"We have exhausted all avenues that you can think of for us to try and minimise the figure that you are seeing. 

"We need to remember that we buy electricity from Eskom, we buy water from Umgeni. Obviously, they also increase their tariffs, so in the event that they do that it could it is very difficult for us to be able to discharge our constitutional responsibilities that of providing basic services."

eThekwini says revenue collection has also taken a knock during the lockdown as some citizens are having to draw a reduced salary while others have lost their jobs.

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