The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) strongly opposes the Mangaung Metro’s proposed water tariff hikes for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Such excessive increases are unacceptable in a metro where water losses are close to 48,6%.
According to the draft budget, households in the lowest consumption block (0 – 6 kl per month) face a massive increase of 46,83%, with tariffs skyrocketing from R13,28 to R19,50 per kilolitre.
In addition, the basic availability charge for residential properties will increase from R52,75 to R70,00. Business and industrial tariffs are set to rise by up to 22%, placing further strain on an already struggling local economy.
Although the bulk water supplier, Vaalwater, has applied for an 11% increase — which is also not acceptable — the average increase for households amounts to approximately 14%.
One of the root problems is water losses. Nearly half of the Metro’s water is lost due to illegal connections, unmetered properties, faulty water meters, severe leaks and decaying infrastructure.
Residents are left with no choice but to pay for the ANC’s years of decline and poor governance.
The Freedom Front Plus calls on residents to oppose these unjustified increases during the public participation process. The meeting will take place on 4 May 2026 at 16:00 in the Indaba Auditorium at the Bram Fischer Building, and written objections must be submitted on or before 4 May to Hansie.VanZyl@mangaung.co.za, Arrie.Bartnis@mangaung.co.za or Lehula.Reid@mangaung.co.za.
Do not allow these excessive tariff hikes to go unchallenged.
The Freedom Front Plus will keep taking decisive steps to oppose these increases, and residents’ participation will strengthen efforts to hold the Metro accountable.
The ANC’s constant lack of financial discipline and order weighs heavily on residents.
The upcoming local government elections offer residents the opportunity to vote for the Freedom Front Plus and bring about tangible improvement, starting at the polls.
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