While Johannesburg residents are already plagued by poor service delivery, potholes, broken traffic lights, and frequent water and electricity outages, they will have to pay even more for the same poor service as from 1 July 2026.
The proposed tariff increases of 12,5% for water, 11% for sanitation and sewerage, and 9,01% for electricity far exceed the current inflation rate of approximately 4%. These hikes follow Rand Water’s 11% increase and Eskom’s 9,01% increase.
During the Metro’s Department of Environment, Infrastructure and Service Delivery’s committee meeting, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) strongly objected to the proposed 11% increase of the sanitation and sewerage tariff.
The Freedom Front Plus simply will not endorse a budget with such exorbitant increases. There is no justification for tariff hikes that exceed the inflation rate.
Paying Johannesburg residents have become the cash cow covering the cost of massive water leaks and electricity losses as well as theft through illegal connections.
This is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. Unfortunately, the ANC-led coalition government in the Metro lacks the political will to tackle these issues head-on.
The proposed tariff increases can be accessed on the Johannesburg Metro’s website (www.joburg.org.za) and public comments can be sent to ratescomment@joburg.org.za.
The increases will also be discussed in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) meetings scheduled from 7 to 14 May 2026. The Freedom Front Plus encourages all residents to participate in these virtual and physical meetings to voice their dissatisfaction.
The time to find viable solutions is running out fast. With the local government elections just around the corner, the Freedom Front Plus is eager for the opportunity to turn the Metro’s dire situation around.
The Freedom Front Plus calls on all residents to register and vote, and allow the Freedom Front Plus to be their voice in the Metro.
Freedom Front Plus Coalition Politics: The party has participated in coalition governments at local and provincial levels.
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