Graaff-Reinet: New water tariffs

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The current high water tariffs faced by Graaff-Reinet residents will be discussed during a community meeting on 20 August at the Robert Sobukwe building on Church Street at 5.30pm.

"Although it is a normal community meeting, the tariffs will be the main focus point," Ward Councillor Ricardo Smith told the Advertiser.

In addition to higher water tariffs, residents must also pay a drought tariff, which is R22,11 per kl for water usage between 16 - 25kl, and R26,89 per kl for usage more than 25kl.

"This new tariff will also be discussed," Smith assured.

Many locals said on social media that they were unhappy with the new tariffs. "Will we get a discount on the new rates [as we don't have running water]," said René Laubsher.

Earlier this week, many parts of Graaff-Reinet had little to no running water, due to a maintenance issue. Wilca Smith, acting spokesperson of the municipality, told the Advertiser on Thursday that there were no new updates about the lack of water supply, but that the issue was being addressed.