The Metro’s executive mayor, Mxolisi Siyonzana, made the announcement - while delivering the metro’s budget - that sewage tariffs will increase by 2.40%. While, due to the challenges faced by Eskom, electricity tariffs are set to increase by 10.39%.

Siyonzana stated in his speech that property rates will increase by 3.89%. He further explained that in the current financial year, water service revenue is set to increase by 7.75%. The water tariff in monetary terms is projected at over R1 billion in the next financial year.

The refuse removal tariff will increase by 12.97%.

Siyonzana said the total revenue budget for the Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework budget is projected at over R8 billion for 2022/23.

ALSO READ: Opposition parties unimpressed with Mangaung budget

The Metro’s operational expenditure will increase from the budget amount of over R7 billion in 2021/22 to a new budget amount of over R8 billion in 2022/23 - which represents an increase of 9.61%.

Siyonzana also noted that the metro’s capital budget for the next financial year sits at more than R1 billion, which is a decrease of 24.30% as compared to the 2021/22 adjustment budget of over R1,6 billion.

The Democratic Alliance (DA), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and African Alliance of Social Democrats (ASSD) has rejected the Metro’s budget, citing that it does not speak to the needs of the residents.

OFM News