The ANC voted in favour of water and electricity tariff hikes, amongst others. According to the DA council member, Hans Britz, the council approved an electricity tariff increase of 14.59% whilst the metro's information shows that the water increase will be 10% for those with prepaid water meters. 

Britz says if one buys 500 units of electricity it will cost 23.78% more in July than in June. The ANC members in council are yet to comment.  

“The ANC agreed that residents will now have to cough up more from their pockets and pay [more] for water and electricity.," Brits adds. The budget was passed despite opposition parties and concerned members of the public raising concerns about the legitimacy and validity of the budget.

Britz says they have since requested documents, showing that the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has improved the new tariffs but none was provided.

“Regarding the electricity tariffs, it was stated in the budget documents that the electricity tariffs are to increase with 14.59%, as approved by Nersa. That approval could not be provided on our request and that is why the item was submitted yesterday. They changed the first tariff band for residential properties from 1 to 350 units to 1 to 150 units,” he further adds.

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