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Cape Town’s water tariffs could drop before summer as dam levels rise
Cape Town’s water tariffs could decrease in the coming months, thanks largely to the wet winter and increase in dam levels. This according to Cape Town’s mayor Dan Plato.
Speaking at the City Council on Wednesday, Plato highlighted the improving dam levels, and thanked residents for using water sparingly.
“As a result of these levels, we will, of course, be looking at relaxing tariffs at the end of the hydrological year in October/November to provide some additional relief to our residents,” he noted (via PoliticsWeb).
Announcement of new Aldermen:
Today, at its full Council sitting, Council resolved to confer the title and status of Alderman upon ten councillors of the City of Cape Town in terms of its Conferment of Civic Honours Policy. Read more: https://t.co/aV1fTRQAU2 #CTNews pic.twitter.com/ddTidS5J5o
— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) July 31, 2019
At present, the city’s dam levels stand at 74.6%, with the Berg River Dam now over 102% full, and the Steenbras Upper Dam more than 101%.
The Theewaterskloof Dam, which was just 21% full in July 2017, is now 65.2% full.
Since the beginning of July, dam levels have increased by more than 20%.
At present with Level 3 water restrictions in effect, households using less than 6000 litres per month are charged R21.25 per 1000 litres. Those using below 10 500 litres are charged an additional R12.95.
It’s not clear if a relaxation of water tariffs will also come with an ease on water restrictions. That said, residents have been calling for a reduction citing the wetter winter.
Hey Mmusi, dam’s that feed Cape Town are over 70% full. When is DA led city going to reduce water tariffs?
— Simon (@simonlovescity) July 26, 2019
When are the water tariffs coming down In Cape Town Mr Premier ? You know it’s not right 😐
— Lee-Ann Grindrod (@LeeAnnG8) May 16, 2019
But winter’s not yet over, and the City of Cape Town on Wednesday noted that yet another “well-developed cold front is expected to make landfall on Sunday afternoon“.
However, the South African Weather Service has yet to issue any alerts, or further information.
Feature image: baudolino via Pixabay
