Water losses: eThekwini proposes fixed monthly charge but DA slams move as 'stealth tax'

The eThekwini Municipality is proposing a fixed monthly charge for all domestic water users to address water losses and to assist customers facing high bills due to undetected leaks.

In a recent media statement, it said its Finance Committee had recommended, in a meeting on March 18, certain amendments for consultation and approval by Full Council.

The proposals include:

• To address water losses and assist customers facing high bills due to undetected leaks, the Municipality proposes a fixed monthly charge for all domestic water users. This will fund adjustments or write-offs in qualifying cases.
• Customers will now have 180 days (previously 60 days) from the date of repair to submit a water loss notification form, along with supporting documentation, at Sizakala Centres or Revenue Customer Services centres.
• Customers wishing to dispute an account must submit a written application using the prescribed form, clearly stating the reasons and providing supporting information.

The revised policy strengthens the authority of municipal officials to investigate and resolve disputes in line with policy provisions, the City said.

However the DA's Alicia Kisoon, the party's eThekwini Caucus chairperson, said the move amounts to a stealth tax on residents and a direct threat to property rights.

She said the matter will come before full council on March 31. Kissoon explained that while there is an existing water loss charge this would be converted into a mandatory fixed monthly levy.

“Previously, residents could opt out (of the water loss charge) if they maintained private plumbing insurance. The municipality now seeks to impose this charge on all domestic consumers, regardless of existing cover, effectively forcing a double charge on insured homeowners.”

She added that by the City stating that this levy “shall not constitute an insurance product”, the City is attempting to collect what resembles a premium while avoiding the regulatory protections that govern the insurance industry.

Further concerns include the forfeiture of unclaimed credit balances to the municipality after just three years.

This is particularly problematic for deceased estates, where delays at the Master’s Office often exceed this timeframe, she said.

“These proposals are compounded by the municipality’s ongoing failure to resolve the estimated billing crisis. Before introducing compulsory levies and stricter collection measures, the City must address the integrity of its billing systems. Inaccurate estimated readings continue to produce inflated accounts and prolonged disputes, often creating the very credit balances the City now seeks to forfeit.”

Kissoon said while the extension of the water loss claims period to 180 days is noted, it does little to offset the broader impact of these measures. These amendments do not address ageing infrastructure or reduce non-revenue water losses, instead, they shift the financial burden of municipal inefficiency onto residents.

She also said that public participation will open on April 1, 2026.

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