The West Rand District Municipality (Merafong, Mogale, Rand West) calls for public comment on proposed tariff increases, the draft budget and IDP
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Have your say – shape the outcome.
The West Rand District is currently navigating a particularly difficult budget cycle, as two of its three local municipalities are under significant financial pressure. 💸 While they are sticking to the national electricity benchmark, the hikes for water and sewerage in certain areas are much higher than the inflation rate.
INCREASES ARE AS FOLLOWS
Staff salaries increases 4.75%
| Electricity ⚡ | Water 💧 | Property Rates 🏠 | Refuse / San 🗑️ | |
| Merafong City (Carletonville) | 9.01% | 11.5% 🚩 | 2.7% | 3.7% / 9.0% |
| Mogale City (Krugersdorp) | 9.01% | ~9.0% | ~4.8% | ~4.8% |
| Rand West City (Randfontein) | 9.1% | ~9.5% | ~4.8% | ~4.8% |
| Staff Salary Benchmark | 4.75% | 4.75% | 4.75% | 4.75% |
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- Merafong’s Water Shock (11.5%): Merafong is currently facing a massive “cash crunch.” They are proposing an 11.5% water hike and a 9.0% sewerage hike—both of which are more than double the salary increase given to municipal staff. This is a primary point for public objection. 🌊
- Mogale City’s Wage Split: Mogale City has a unique 5% total wage agreement with unions. They implemented 2.5% last year and are providing the final 2.5% this year, subject to “financial viability.” This shows how precarious their budget is compared to more stable metros. 👔
- Rand West City’s Eskom Debt: Like Merafong, Rand West is under intense pressure from National Treasury to settle historical bulk debt. Their 9.1% electricity hike is a direct pass-through of costs, but the high water hikes are being used to “subsidize” the aging pipe network. 🛠️
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