Tariffs in effect for wastewater removal from domestic conservancy and septic tanks

14 August 2023

As part of the 2023/24 budget process, the City Council approved water and sanitation tariffs, including the cost of tanker services used to remove wastewater from septic and conservancy tanks. The approval includes continued provision of free removals to indigent customers and registered homeless shelters, but discontinues free removals for all other domestic customers. 

Removal of wastewater from conservancy or septic tanks is currently conducted using tanker services, where the first six removals were previously free of charge. The provision for these six free removals has been discontinued, effective 1 July 2023, with the exception of indigent customers and registered homeless shelters.

This discontinuation aligns with the changes made by the City in 2017/2018, where free basic services were already discontinued for all resident customers, but only maintained for approved indigent customers.

'Communications have already been sent to customers directly affected by this change. It was also highlighted as part of the amendments in the City's published advertisements to the overall budget, which customers had an opportunity to comment on during the April 2023 consultation period,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

For a sustainable service, all customers are required to pay for the services rendered. This change now allows for the consistent application of approved tariffs and free basic service provision.

'We do however encourage residents who are struggling financially to approach the City for assistance and register for relief through the indigent application process,' said Councillor Badroodien.

Customers are also allowed to use alternative private contractors who provide similar tanker services.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office