The City Of Cape Town is considering reducing the proposed drought levy. Alternatively, they plan on increasing water tariffs to target high consumption users.
This follows a massive public outcry over the drought levy proposal. The City said it received more than 60 000 comments from the public. The proposal is expected to be discussed at a council meeting on Friday.
The City said that if it doesn’t introduce the charge through property rates, the water tariff increases would be too high. The City said it’s facing a shortfall of R1.7 billion due to the ongoing water crisis. They have implemented measures such as curbing overtime, freezing vacancies and limited traveling and attendance at conferences..
So far they have managed to raise R2.6-billion through prioritising their budget.
Council is now considering reducing the property rates charge from 10% to 8%, for residential properties valued at R400,000 or more.
But the City says if it doesn’t increase property rates, water tariff increases would amount to over 30% for even the lowest level users.
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