Relief For Residents As MPs Rejects Proposed Water Tariffs

SANDILE MOTHA

HEAVY burdened households have been thrown a lifeline after the joint portfolio committees on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and that of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation rejected the proposed increase of water tariff for the 2020/21 financial year.  

This week the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the department of Water and Sanitation asked parliament to be given the nod to hike water tariffs.

However, the MPs slated the move on the grounds of unaffordability.

The MPs also took issue with the failure of water boards to consult communities when deciding to increase the tariffs.

Faith Muthambi, chairperson of the portfolio committee on Cogta said granting the adjustments will severely strain households.

“The undeniable fact is that Covid-19 has had a negative impact on the ability of households to pay for services. A further increase in tariffs will cause far-reaching damage both to households and