BREAKING | City of Johannesburg Faces Legal Battle Over 65.6% Water Tariff Hike

The City has defended its decision to introduce a higher water levy as part of its 2026/2027 Medium Term Budget, saying the adjustment is necessary to ensure the sustainability of water services and address growing infrastructure maintenance requirements.

The revised levy was formally adopted on 27 May 2026 during the approval of the City’s 2026/2027 Medium Term Budget. According to municipal officials, the additional revenue generated through the charge will contribute towards maintaining and improving the water supply network, while helping the municipality respond to increasing operational and infrastructure costs.

Officials explained that the levy forms part of broader efforts to ensure that the City’s water infrastructure remains functional, reliable and capable of meeting the needs of residents and businesses. The funds will also support investment in ageing infrastructure, including water pipes, reservoirs and other essential components of the distribution system.

The City further indicated that the increased charge is intended to encourage responsible water consumption and promote more efficient use of the available water resources. With water infrastructure requiring continuous maintenance and upgrades, the municipality believes that additional investment is necessary to minimise service disruptions and improve the reliability of water supply.

Ageing pipes and reservoirs can contribute to water losses, leaks and interruptions if they are not properly maintained or replaced. Investing in these facilities is therefore regarded as an important part of ensuring long-term service delivery.

The City maintains that the higher levy will help strengthen the water network, support ongoing maintenance programmes and provide resources for infrastructure improvements as it works towards ensuring a more sustainable and dependable water supply for communities.

Source: https://x.com/centralnewsza/status/2120066863824588826

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