DA Objects to Proposed 342% Water Tariff Increase in Chris Hani District

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has formally objected to a proposed water tariff increase in the Chris Hani District Municipality, warning that the adjustment could place significant financial pressure on households, businesses and community institutions across the district.

In a statement issued by DA Eastern Cape Leader of the Official Opposition, Vicky Knoetze, the party said it had submitted objections to both the municipality and the Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Zolile Williams.

According to the DA, the municipality’s draft tariff proposal for the 2026/27 financial year would see the lowest domestic water tariff increase from R13.80 per kilolitre to R61.00 per kilolitre, representing an increase of just over 342%.

The party argues that the proposed increase would make Chris Hani’s lowest domestic water tariff significantly higher than comparable tariffs in neighbouring districts.

Concerns over affordability

The DA described the proposed increase as excessive and unaffordable, particularly at a time when many residents are already facing economic challenges.

The party said households, businesses, schools, clinics, churches, non-profit organisations and other institutions are already dealing with rising living costs, unemployment and service delivery challenges.

The statement also pointed to ongoing concerns about water interruptions, infrastructure failures, leaks, maintenance backlogs and inconsistent service delivery in parts of the district.

Calls for greater transparency

The DA said it has requested additional information from the municipality regarding how the proposed tariff was calculated.

According to the statement, the party wants the municipality to provide:

• The tariff calculation model used.
• Any affordability assessment conducted.
• Details of indigent support measures.
• Information on metering and billing fairness measures.
• Evidence of meaningful public participation.

The party argued that residents should be provided with sufficient information to understand and evaluate a tariff proposal of this scale before any final decision is taken.

Municipal tariff process

The DA noted that Section 74 of the Municipal Systems Act requires municipal tariffs to be fair, equitable, transparent and linked to the cost of providing services. The legislation also requires municipalities to consider affordability and support for indigent households when setting tariffs.

The objections form part of the public participation process around the municipality’s draft budget and tariff proposals for the upcoming financial year.

Chris Hani District Municipality has previously stated that proposed tariff adjustments are intended to move towards more cost-reflective pricing and support the long-term sustainability of water services. The final tariffs will be determined through the municipality’s budget approval processes.

The DA said it would continue opposing what it views as unjustified increases and called on the municipality to prioritise infrastructure maintenance, reducing water losses and improving service delivery before implementing significant tariff increases.