The city's tariff increases have been below inflation for the past three years and this has affected its budget.

"The proposed increases are a part and parcel of a longterm economic development plan that will deliver a city which is effectively and efficiently run, with well-maintained services and facilities," Masondo said.

Residential tariffs for electricity will increase 13,57% while commercial tariffs will increase 12,57%.

Water and waste removal will increase 10% for both residential and commercial customers, while assessment rates will increase 13%.

Masondo said the total social package would increase R95-million to R450-million and this would benefit a third of the households throughout Johannesburg.

The cost of free water will increase to R47-million, while the cost of free electricity will reach R36-million and, where applicable, the cost of free refuse and sanitation services will cost the city R58-million.

The total budget for the 2003/04 year will be R12,127-billion.

Of this amount R1,102-billion has been set aside for capital expenditure.

Nearly R400-million will be spent by City Power and Johannesburg Roads Agency on new and replacement capital spending.

The lion's share of operating expenditure comprises bulk purchases of water and electricity at R3,1-billion, followed by salaries at R2,9-billion, and contracted services mainly for information technology and fleet at R1-billion.