Metro middle-incomes households to pay R457.69 more for services

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Middle-income households in Nelson Mandela Bay will pay an average of R457.69 more a month for rates and service charges from July 1, according to figures provided by the Budget and Treasury Directorate.

This is an increase of 21.62% from an average of R2 111.80 to R2 574.49 and is based on the household occupying an erf of 1 000 square metres with 150 square metres of improvements, consuming 1 000 kWh of electricity a month and using 30 kilolitres of water.

Property rates, and charges for water, sewerage and refuse are to increase by 13% from July 1 and electricity charges by an average of 11.03, although the introduction of the Inclining Block Tariff will mean that the cost per unit of electricity will rise steeply for domestic consumers after the first 350kWh which means that many households will pay more than an additional R457.69 a month.

This is the highest increase of the five metros whose figures for the next financial year have also been provided by Budget and Treasury.

In eThekwini (Durban) the average monthly increase for a middle income household is 17.59%; in Tshwane 15.63%, in Ekurhuleni 14.37% and in Cape Town 13.89%.

The average monthly increase for what is described as the affordable range is R127.96 or 11.82% a month.

This is based on a 300 square metre erf with 48 square metres of improvements and the household consuming 498kWh of electricity and using 25 kilolitres of water.

For the small household receiving free basic services, the monthly bill will decrease from July 1 by R43.64 or 14.9% to R29.16.

This is based on a 300 square metre erf with 48 square metres of improvements and the household consuming 60kWh of electricity a month and using 6 kilolitres of water.

Nelson Mandela Bay’s total free basic service package consists of 8 kilolitres of water, 75 kWh of electricity, 8 kilolitres of sewerage and no payment for rates and refuse.

(Source: Metro Minute - to subscribe mail metrominutes@iafrica.com)