Capricorn District municipality (Blouberg, Lepelle-Nkumpi, Molemole, Polokwane) calls for public comment on proposed tariff increases, the draft budget and IDP
-
- Proposed increases are available in the summary below
Scroll down to have your say
Have your say – shape the outcome.
THE INCREASES ARE AS FOLLOWS
Staff salaries 4.75%
| Polokwane | Blouberg | Lepelle-Nkumpi | Molemole | |
| Electricity | 9.01% | 14.0% (D) | 9.01% | 9.01% |
| Water | 7.43% | 3.7% | 4.8% | 4.5% |
| Sanitation / Sewage | 7.43% | 3.7% | 4.8% | 4.5% |
| Refuse Removal | 4.7% | 3.7% | 4.8% | 4.5% |
| Property Rates | 4.7% | 3.7% | 4.8% | 4.5% |
(D) = Domestic and Time-of-Use (TOU) customers.
-
- Blouberg’s Electricity Hike (14%): Blouberg is the district’s standout “red flag.” While Eskom’s bulk increase to municipalities is 9.01%, Blouberg is asking domestic users for 14%. They cite a “Cost of Supply” study as the reason, but it effectively means residents are paying a significant premium over the actual bulk cost.
- Polokwane’s “Efficiency Gap”: Polokwane is proposing a 7.43% increase for Water and Sanitation. The local DA has already flagged this, noting that these increases are being proposed without a detailed cost analysis, particularly as the city continues to struggle with “dry taps” and aging infrastructure.
- The “Western Cape” Comparison: Notice that Blouberg (excluding electricity) is keeping its rates and water at 3.7%. Polokwane residents should note their 7.43% water hike is nearly double what their neighbours in the same province are managing for other services.
- Molemole and Lepelle-Nkumpi: These two are playing it “safe” by aligning closely with the 4.5% – 4.8% mark, which is just above the current inflation forecast. It’s a disciplined approach, but still higher than the 4.75% salary increase they are giving themselves.
Have we got the wrong information?