Lesedi Tariff Shock: Water, Sanitation rates set to skyrocket
Residents and businesses within the Lesedi Local Municipality are set to face sharp increases in service tariffs for the 2025/26 financial year, with water and sanitation services seeing the most significant hikes.
The municipality’s recently released tariff overview paints a concerning picture for the local economy, as basic services become increasingly expensive year after year.
According to the four-year tariff outlook from 2022/23 to 2025/26, the steepest increase is expected in Water Revenue, which is proposed to rise by a staggering 18% in 2025/26—up from a 5.9% increase the previous year. Sanitation Revenue is also set to climb by 18%, while Electricity Revenue will go up by 14%, following a series of sharp hikes in the previous years: 7.5% (2022/23), 15.1% (2023/24), and 12.72% (2024/25).
These figures represent a compounding burden on households and businesses already grappling with inflation, high unemployment, and service delivery issues.
Overview of Increases (2022–2026):
Property Rates: From 4.8% in 2022/23 to a proposed 4.4% in 2025/26
Electricity Charges: Jumped from 7.5% to 15.1%, then to 12.72%, and now proposed at 14%
Water Charges: Rose from 8.8% to 7.3%, dipped to 5.9%, but will skyrocket to 18%
Sanitation Charges: From 4.8% in 2022/23 to a proposed 18% by 2025/26
Refuse Charges: Gradual increases from 4.8% to 10.4%
Other Revenue: Maintained moderate increases, ending at 4.4% for 2025/26
Local business owners are concerned about how these increases will impact their operations. “Water and electricity are core to our services. A jump of 18% in water tariffs is just too high. It’s going to squeeze our profit margins or force us to raise our prices,” said a Heidelberg-based industrial manager.
During the recent IDP/Budget Consultation Meetings, community resident have also expressed dissatisfaction, pointing out that while tariffs are going up significantly, service delivery remains inconsistent.
Many residents in Ratanda and other surrounding areas have complained about water cuts, power outages, and irregular refuse collection.
Lesedi Local Municipality is yet to officially comment or respond to the proposed increases, which may come into effect from June 1.
As the municipality enters public participation stages for budget planning, ratepayers are urged to attend meetings and submit their objections or proposals. The call for greater transparency and accountability is growing louder.
Residents can contact the Lesedi Local Municipality or visit their website for more details on how these changes will affect them and how to submit feedback before the budget is finalized.