26 July 2024
GOOD statement by Lulama Benge,
GOOD Councillor in the City of Cape Town
The City of Cape Town must explain to its residents why they are still paying a fixed water charge that was only supposed to provide temporary relief to the Municipality during the drought.
The water restrictions imposed due to poor rainfall in 2018 resulted in greatly reduced revenue from water usage which impacted the City’s ability to cover the maintenance costs.
At the time, then Mayor Patricia De Lille advocated for a temporary drought levy which could be abandoned when the city’s water supply was more secure as a result of the water augmentation measures or good rains.
However, the City, or rather DA caucus, opted to rework the water tariff structure and included a fixed component that was absurdly based on the size of the pipes:
15 mm cost R87, 29
20 mm cost R155, 87
25 mm cost R243, 15
It is immoral to punish ratepayers at a time they can least afford it by continuing to charge what are in effect drought surcharges when our dams are all full.
GOOD therefore yesterday tabled a motion in Council to demand that this fixed charge finally be withdrawn. However, the DA and the ANC rejected the motion, essentially telling residents that they need to carry this financial burden on behalf of a City that has more than enough money in the bank.
GOOD calls on the City of Cape Town to reassess its water tariffs and water plan to ensure that this fixed charge can be withdrawn, and unnecessary pressure taken off consumers.
Media enquiries:
Janke Tolmay, GOOD: Media Manager
Cell: 0733671223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za