Higher bills and no more free water for Joburg residents
In a move to align itself with other municipalities, the City of Johannesburg has announced that it will be scrapping free water allowances in the city.
Now all but the poorest of residents can expect a price increase on their monthly bills.
The changes, which were announced by Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane earlier this year, form part of a new Constitutional push to enforce water restrictions across the country.
In terms of the new restrictions, the City has indicated that it will no longer provide free basic water to residents – with only registered ‘poor’ residents still benefitting.
Poorer residents in Joburg who wish to qualify for a free quota of water should register on the City of Joburg’s website.
This will extend to residents not only under the poverty-line, but will also be extended to vulnerable residents in the city such as the unemployed, youth, people with disabilities, displaced persons and senior citizens, as part of an expanded social package (ESP), the city said.
The Star reported that residents will see an increase of R42.84 per month on their water bill as a result of this change.
Read: Cape Town beefs up water police – targets spot fines of up to R5,000
Loading ...