Midvaal approves R2.240 billion fully funded budget

Midvaal Local Municipality Council has approved a R2.240 billion fully funded budget for the 2026/2027 financial year, which prioritises critical investments in water infrastructure, road rehabilitation, public safety and service delivery.

Midvaal remains one of the few municipalities in Gauteng to adopt a fully funded budget, with budgeted revenue for the year amounting to R2.240 billion, the largest budget in Midvaal’s history.

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE KEY ASPECTS OF THE BUDGET:

WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

• R91 million has been allocated over the MTREF period from the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) to replace ageing asbestos water pipes in De Deur, Kookrus and Meyerton Extension Four.
• Additional valve refurbishment projects will be undertaken in Randvaal and Pendale.
• R44 million has been allocated for water meter replacement to reduce water losses and improve revenue collection.

ROADS INFRASTRUCTURE

• R15 million has been allocated to the War on Potholes Campaign, reinforcing the municipality’s commitment to improving road conditions.
• R41 million has been earmarked for road rehabilitation projects during the 2026/27 financial year.
• A further R15 million in grant funding will be used to surface gravel roads in Wards 4, 5 and 11.
• R23.1 million will be allocated for fleet replacement and expansion to strengthen service delivery capacity.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

• The municipality will continue expanding its CCTV camera network into the western and northern regions of Midvaal, strengthening its efforts to enhance public safety and crime prevention.
• Continued investment will also be made in the maintenance and upgrading of existing surveillance infrastructure, ensuring that residents benefit from a safer and more secure environment.

TARIFF INCREASES

As a caring and compassionate institution, we have sought to keep tariff increases as low as possible while ensuring they remain cost-reflective, as we understand the difficult economic realities facing our residents and businesses.

The approved tariff increases are:

• 6.5% for assessment rates
• 10% for water (in line with the increase from Rand Water)
• 7.5% for refuse collection
• 6.5% for sanitation
• 10% for electricity (subject to approval by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA))

SUPPORT FOR VULNERABLE RESIDENTS

The approved budget also continues to provide relief to vulnerable residents through a range of support measures.

• Pensioners and qualifying households will continue to benefit from property rates rebates.
• Approved indigent households will qualify for once-off debt write-offs.
• Property rates relief remains available to farmers affected by the recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, reaffirming the municipality’s commitment to supporting residents and protecting livelihoods during challenging times.

Through this budget and the implementation of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), which was also approved, Midvaal remains committed to delivering quality services, investing in critical infrastructure, and improving the lives of all residents.

The approved budget lays a strong foundation for sustainable growth, economic development and job creation, while creating an environment that attracts investment and unlocks opportunities.