The party feels the city has not looked at alternatives to avoid the increases, which are above inflation for the first time in four years.

The effects of the increases, would which would be passed on to consumers, would increase the prices of food, clothing, general merchandise, transport and rentals, said the DA.

However, Johannesburg mayor Amos Masondo said in his budget presentation on Wednesday that the increases, which average 13%, were necessary because of lower than inflation tariff increases in the past three years. The DA suggested that tariff increases be limited to 6%.

May 30 2003 07:21:06:000AM Ernest Mabuza Business Day 1st Edition.