Residents of Nelson Mandela Bay can breath a sigh of relief now that punitive water tariffs have been relaxed.
Communities have been feeling the pinch of tariffs for over a year, despite good rainfall that led to a significant rise in the dam levels.
As of 1 July, residents were still charged based on Part C, even though council adopted its budget for the 2024/2025 financial year based on Part B tariffs.
Speaking at a post-council briefing at City Hall on Friday morning, Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe said they first had to get the green light from the Department of Water and Sanitation before tariffs could be relaxed.
She said the metro have been clinging to the punitive tariffs while awaiting the response, which came earlier in the week.
Though tariffs have been relaxed, Lobishe urged residents to use water sparingly.
"We are still pleading for water conservation as we are a water-scarce region."
The DA's spokesperson for Infrastructure and Engineering, Dries van der Westhuizen, welcomed the decision.
The DA has submitted several motions to council calling on tariffs to be relaxed since 2023.
"This achievement is not about political gain but about the power of collective action and the unwavering determination of our residents to fight for fairness and accountability.
"For over a year, the devastating impact of these tariffs has been felt across the Metro, with families and businesses struggling to keep up with rising costs amidst a water crisis that no longer reflects our current dam levels.
"The strength of our residents, who refused to accept this injustice, alongside dedicated advocacy, has finally led to a breakthrough," he said.
