The Dipaleseng Local Municipality’s draft budget for the 2026/27 financial year makes no meaningful provision for infrastructure upgrades and does not address the urgent needs of residents at all.
The draft budget provides for operating expenditure of approximately R439,4 million, but only R16,7 million for capital projects. This means there is practically no funding for upgrading water, electricity and sewerage infrastructure.
Residents will, therefore, continue to be plagued by poor water and power supply, while the proposed tariff hikes will only exacerbate households’ financial strain.
The Municipality’s unstable power supply makes it almost impossible for new businesses to invest in the area. And without economic growth, the unemployment rate keeps climbing.
If the proposed tariff hikes are approved, property rates, sewerage, refuse removal and water tariffs will rise by 3,4%. The electricity tariff will increase by 11,1%, subject to NERSA approval.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) urges Dipaleseng residents to exercise their constitutional right by making submissions on the draft budget and how their tax money should be spent.
The harsh reality is that after nearly 31 years in power, the ANC has no viable plan to stop the decay of Dipaleseng.
With this year’s local government elections, residents have a golden opportunity to oust the ANC and vote for the Freedom Front Plus – the party that prioritises service delivery.
