The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality does not explicitly state at what dam levels it will declare punitive tariffs. Punitive water tariffs were introduced due to the impact of drought on water consumption and revenue collection. The municipality has implemented a tariff structure that progressively charges higher levels of water consumption at a higher rate to manage the effects of drought.
Based on the above then we can only conclude that the consumers of water within Nelson Mandela Bay have to rely on the ‘whim’ of the Councillors to finally bring attention to these punitive tariffs that are still in place today despite the major dams supplying the metro being 100% full for a total level of 78.43% and with 69.44% being available for extraction. The largest dam supplying the Metro – Impofu – is currently 42.62% full.
The first set of punitive tariffs were introduced on 1 July 2020 and lifted at the end of 2011 after excellent rains.
The present punitive water tariffs were introduced in August 2020 when the total dam levels were at 16.93% and have yet to be lifted.
A comparison of the Water Tariffs per kl/day (excl. VAT):
| Step | Normal Water Availability | Water Shortage Emergency | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 0.3 | R17.49 | R21.85 | R4.36 |
| 0.3 – 0.5 | R18.92 | R33.39 | R14.47 |
| 0.5 – 0.8 | R26.44 | R66.78 | R40.34 |
| 0.8 – 1.0 | R45.64 | R111.30 | R65.66 |
| 1.0 – 1.6 | R83.48 | R166.95 | R83.47 |
| Over 1.6 | R111.30 | R333.90 | R222.60 |
Let’s put the above into perspective for the highest tariff:
If, under the normal tariff of R111.30 per kl on Step 6, you consume 2 kl/day for an entire year then you will pay R81 304.65 for your water EXCLUDING sewage and EXCLUDING VAT.
If you continue consuming the same amount of water under the Emergency Tariffs your bill will be a whopping R243 913.95 EXCLUDING sewage and EXCLUDING VAT.
In effect you will pay R162 609.30 extra for your water over one year during an emergency water crisis.
Let’s put the above into perspective for the lowest tariff:
If, under the normal tariff of R1.49 per kl on Step 1, you consume 0.3 kl/day for an entire year then you will pay R1 916.46 for your water EXCLUDING sewage and EXCLUDING VAT.
If you continue consuming the same amount of water under the Emergency Tariffs your bill will be R2 394.21 EXCLUDING sewage and EXCLUDING VAT.
In effect you will pay R477.75 extra for your water over one year during an emergency water crisis.
Related: Install a Private Prepaid Water Meter OR an IoT Water Monitor. to control and manage your water consumption.
Alan Straton
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