Mashaba and the budget he can’t pass

In an attempt to avoid a looming takeover by the ANC-controlled Gauteng provincial government, the Democratic Alliance-run City of Joburg yesterday announced several amendments to its R59 billion budget, to appease opposition parties.

This follows last week’s rejection of the DA’s proposed tariff increases by 113 votes to 105, which left it unable to pass its budget on May 29, with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) abstaining.

In terms of its constitution, the city has to pass the budget before the end of the municipal financial year in June, or face being placed under administration by the provincial government.

A special council sitting will be held next Monday to finalise the budget. This will include the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the same period.

Joburg mayor Herman Mashaba yesterday said the city was “making every effort to minimise tariff increases and reduce pressure on stressed household income while safeguarding the city’s ability to deliver services”.

Council plans to amend its electricity tariff to 7.17%, down from 7.37%, based on the application of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) municipal tariff guidelines applied on the Eskom increase of 6.84%.

Average tariff increases on water, sewerage and sanitation is to be reduced by 1% down to 13.2%, based on the Rand Water tariff increase of 12.2% and includes a 1% retail margin aimed at maintaining the distribution network.

“These amendments were provided to council at the last minute and we hope that will bring council closer to finalising the budget.”

Within the new budget, the city has “also taken steps to provide relief to he poorest communities,” Mashaba said.

“We have increased the residential rates rebate from R200 000 to R350 000. This will reduce the impact of five years’ worth of property value increases and ensure that 191 000 households, at the lowest end of the market, will be exempt.”

The tariff on sanitation services for private dwellings of erf size up to and including 300m2 has also been reduced from the proposed R250 to about R196.

According to the budget, the highest allocation of free basic water would be provided to households earning no income, receiving up to 15 kilolitres of water per month and 150 kilowatt hours of electricity via the City’s Extended Social Package programme.

Lower levels of allocations are to range between 10 kilolitres of free water per month and 12 kilolitres of water provided “without charge”.

He said pensioners would receive a 100% property rebate if their income is lower than R9 245, and their property value is not more than R2. 5million.

Those aged 70 and older will receive a 100% rebate, irrespective of income, with a property value of not more than R2.5 million. “The city will also provide a 100% rebate to residents who are on the Expanded Social Package programme.”