Chris Hani District municipality (Emalahleni, Engcobo, Enoch Mgijima, Intsika Yethu, Inxuba Yethemba, Sakhisizwe) calls for public comment on proposed tariff increases, the draft budget and IDP
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- Proposed increases are available in the summary below
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THE INCREASES ARE AS FOLLOWS
Staff salaries 4.75%
Chris Hani District (Water & Sanitation)
Since the District manages these services for everyone from Komani to Cradock, these are the “headline” figures:
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- Water Provision: 6.0%
- Sanitation (Waste Water): 6.0%
Context: These figures are slightly above the 4.75% salary benchmark, with the District citing increased costs for bulk electricity (to run pumps) and water treatment chemicals.
| Property Rates | Refuse Removal | Electricity (Domestic) | |
| Enoch Mgijima (Komani) | 4.5% | 4.5% | 10.92% – 14.0%* |
| Inxuba Yethemba (Cradock) | 3.7% | 3.7% | 14.0% |
| Emalahleni (Lady Frere) | 4.3% | 4.3% | 9.01% – 12.0% |
| Dr. AB Xuma (Engcobo) | 4.5% | 4.5% | 9.01% |
| Intsika Yethu (Cofimvaba) | 3.7% | 3.7% | 14.0% |
| Sakhisizwe (Cala/Elliot) | 4.3% | 4.3% | 12.7% |
*Enoch Mgijima and Inxuba Yethemba are using “Cost of Supply” studies to justify a 14% domestic electricity hike—nearly 5% higher than the bulk increase they pay to Eskom.
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- The “14% Electricity Club”: Inxuba Yethemba, Intsika Yethu, and Enoch Mgijima are all pushing for a 14% domestic electricity hike. It is the highest in the province and roughly triple the 4.75% salary increase the council is giving its staff.
- Inxuba Yethemba’s “Rates vs. Power” Paradox: While they are showing discipline on property rates and refuse (3.7%), they are making up the difference with a massive 14% hit on electricity. This is a “stealth” way to balance the budget.
- Sakhisizwe’s Revenue Push: Sakhisizwe is projecting a 12.7% electricity revenue increase, citing a focus on “revenue enhancement” and credit control. For residents in Cala and Elliot, this represents a significant jump in the cost of living.
- Water Service vs. Tariff: Residents are encouraged to comment on the 6% water hike in relation to service delivery. In areas like Komani, where water outages are a weekly occurrence, paying 6% more for an intermittent service is a strong point for public objection.
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