Joe Gqabi District municipality (Elundini, Senqu, Walter Sisulu) 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%
Joe Gqabi District Municipality (Water & Sanitation)
Since JGDM manages these services for the entire district, these figures apply to Nqanqarhu (Maclear), Lady Grey, Burgersdorp, and Aliwal North.
| Proposed Increase (%) | Context | |
| Water Provision | ~5.33% | Generally following the Amatola Water bulk increase of 5.33%. |
| Sanitation (Sewerage) | ~5.33% | Aligned with water for regional infrastructure maintenance. |
| Electricity (Domestic) | Property Rates | Refuse Removal | |
| Senqu (Lady Grey/Barkly East) | 14.5%* | 3.4% | 4.5% |
| Walter Sisulu (Aliwal North) | 12.7% – 14.0% | 3.7% | 3.7% |
| Elundini (Maclear/Ugie) | 9.01% – 11.5% | 4.5% | 4.5% |
*Senqu is a significant outlier this year, proposing a ~14.5% electricity hike—one of the highest in the province.
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- The Senqu Electricity Spike (14.5%): Senqu is the “Red Flag” of the district. Their proposed electricity hike is triple the salary benchmark of 4.75%. This represents a significant “local markup” on top of the Eskom bulk cost.
- Walter Sisulu’s Recovery Plan: Walter Sisulu (Aliwal North/Burgersdorp) is still navigating a financial recovery plan. While they have kept rates at a disciplined 3.7%, their electricity hike (projected at 12.7% – 14%) is being used to stabilize their cash position.
- The “Water Services” Disconnect: Because the District (JGDM) handles water, residents often direct their anger at the local council (Senqu or Elundini). Participants are encouraged to direct their 5.33% water concerns to the District level, where the actual decisions are made.
- Elundini’s CPI Discipline: Elundini appears to be the most “middle-of-the-road” municipality in the district, pegging most increases at the 4.5% inflation mark. However, even this is essentially a “profit” for the council since it is higher than the current CPI and the staff salary increase.
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