By Tumi Makgobotloane
Residents in Komati are preparing for higher monthly bills as the municipality introduces tariff increases for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Electricity will see the biggest jump, going up by 13%. Water will increase by 6.5%, sewerage by 7%, refuse by 4.5%, and property rates by 3.7%. For many households, this means stretching already tight budgets even further.
One of the biggest concerns is electricity. Residents will now get fewer units for the same amount of money, meaning they may have to either cut back on usage or spend more to keep the lights on.
The increases come at a time when many families are already struggling. With high unemployment and rising living costs, some residents say it is becoming harder to keep up with basic services.
There is also frustration around service delivery. Many community members say they are still dealing with issues like water interruptions, power outages, and damaged roads, despite paying for these services.
Infrastructure remains another concern. Areas around Komati still need better water systems, electrification in some communities, and improved recreational facilities. While these needs have been identified, progress has been slow.
The municipality says the increases are due to rising costs, especially electricity from Eskom, as well as aging infrastructure and limited funding. However, residents feel that if they are paying more, services should improve too.
As the new tariffs come into effect, the community is calling for better communication, improved service delivery, and real action to address ongoing challenges.
