Johannesburg Faces Legal Challenge Over 65.6 Percentage Water Tariff Increase

The City of Johannesburg is facing legal action over a 65.6 percentage increase in water tariffs, with community groups arguing that the hike is unaffordable and was introduced without adequate public consultation.

The case was heard at the Johannesburg High Court last Monday, and judgment has been reserved.

The groups opposing the increase say it will add to pressure on households already grappling with the rising cost of living.

WaterCAN Executive Manager Dr Ferrial Adam is among those challenging the tariff. She said the City had not adequately explained how it arrived at the increase or given residents sufficient notice.

“It was done without saying why 65.6%, how did they get to that percentage? That is the key thing that we’re worried about.

Also, the fact that this happened without much announcement, or anything; it was just done.

That is some of the concerns that we have in terms of increasing the tariff. You’ve got to have some level of consultation, especially when you get to this amount.”

The groups say residents should have been consulted before the tariff was implemented, particularly given the scale of the increase and its potential impact on water bills.

They argue that meaningful engagement would have allowed the public to understand the reasons for the hike and share concerns about affordability.

The City has maintained that the levy is needed to maintain water infrastructure. Across Johannesburg, water systems require ongoing investment and upkeep, and the City’s position is that additional revenue is necessary to support that work.

The dispute centres on both the size of the increase and the process through which it was introduced.

Opponents say they want the City to account for the 65.6% figure and explain how it relates to the funding needed for infrastructure maintenance.

They also contend that residents should have been given a clearer announcement and an opportunity to comment before the higher tariff took effect.

The City’s case for the levy is based on the need to maintain water infrastructure, while the challengers say that rationale does not answer their questions about the calculation or consultation.

The court’s decision could determine whether the tariff increase remains in place or faces further legal scrutiny.

With judgment reserved, residents and community groups are awaiting the High Court’s ruling. No date for the judgment was provided in the information available.

Until the court delivers its decision, the legal challenge leaves the status of the increase under scrutiny.

The outcome may have implications for how the City communicates and consults on important water tariff changes in future.

For now, the opposing groups are pressing for an explanation of the increase and a process they say should have included residents before the new charges were introduced.

https://x.com/i/status/2119726693204275382

Lethabo4real feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com