Tshwane rates increases announced during budget

Mokgalapa delivered his budget speech at Tshwane House on Thursday.

"I think the budget that we presented today is very pro-poor budget and very service delivery orientated budget and a very sustainable budget. That is the essence of the message I delivered. We have a R35 billion operating budget and a R4 billion capital budget so that also is being divided into different regions.

"We've got seven regions of the city where we are diving the budget according to and every region focused specifically on infrastructure backlog, meaning roads and stormwater, electricity and water provisions as well sanitation."

Properties with a value of up to R150 000 will get free services as part of the city's social package.

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"We are the only city in the country that has doubled our social indigent package. Which is 100 kW of electricity and 12KL of water per month. The national norm is 50kW and 6KL but we have doubled that because we are a caring city.

"When it comes to rates, it will be property rates at 6% across the board. Then 12% for electricity because electricity one is being by what Nersa and Eskom say and Eskom has proposed 13% but we have kept it at 12%. We will also do 8% for water which is from Rand Water because Rand Water has proposed 10%. "

Mokgalapa says money has been put aside for land invasion and land acquisition.

"We are facing difficult times as a country with regards to land invasions and unfortunately our city is affected by this. This is why we have included in this year’s budget we have included the R32.2 million towards the protection of illegal invasions.

"We have already budged R112 million for buying and purchasing land for people for the city so that when we do the relocation of informal settlements we've got land."

Mokgalapa says most projects will be implemented on in July, starting with ensuring everyone has access to electricity.

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