The Western Cape Department of Local Government has proposed increasing free water and electricity allocations for indigent households after research found current levels are insufficient to meet basic needs.

The department’s updated Basket of Services study, released recently, recommends raising free water allocations from 6kl to 10.5kl per month and electricity from 50kWh to 150kWh to better reflect modern household requirements.

The research, an update to a 2019 report, found that rising tariffs and inflation mean indigent households often exhaust their free allocations mid-month, forcing them to choose between essential services and other basic needs such as food or medicine.

Anton Bredell, minister for local government, environmental affairs and development planning, said the province was moving away from a “one-size-fits-all” approach toward a co-responsibility model.

“This involves working across provincial departments to ensure that basic services act as a springboard for social mobility,” he said. “The goal is to help indigent citizens break the cycle of poverty, moving from basic survival to a dignified life where they can eventually exit the indigent programme and contribute economically to society.”

The study reflects socio-economic pressures currently facing the Western Cape, including a rising cost of living, energy challenges and water scarcity. These factors have placed pressure on both municipal budgets and the ability of indigent households to afford basic services.

While most Western Cape municipalities meet or exceed the legislative minimum free basic services, the research found these levels are increasingly inadequate.

The study also recommends recognising internet access as an essential service to enable job-seeking and educational advancement.

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The department will now consult with municipalities to understand tariff calculations and ensure proposed increases do not compromise municipal financial health. It will also work with other provincial departments to explore how resources can supplement municipal efforts.

Bredell said a phased implementation plan would be developed following consultations, prioritising long-term financial sustainability of municipalities while ensuring the dignified basket of services remains a foundation for human upliftment.

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