02 Sep 2025

The Selebi Phikwe Town Council has officially approved a set of revised tariffs, which effected in August.

This was confirmed by the Physical Town Planner of Selebi Phikwe Town Council, Ms Mishingo Sithelo during a full council session recently. She said the strategic decision was designed to stimulate the town’s economy and promote sustainable development initiatives.

Ms Sithelo said updating these tariffs, the council aimed to create a more favourable economic environment that encouraged investment and growth, ultimately fostering long-term prosperity for the community around town.

She said that factors leading to the review of tariffs were the economic standing of the town and the increased cost of providing services, including the maintenance of infrastructure and others.

She also said that providing services for free had, over time, proven to be unsustainable due to decreased funding from the government. “Therefore, there was a need to review and approve new tariffs, as some current rates are no longer relevant.”

Ms Sithelo said there was also a high demand for the use of some town council facilities, and the existing tariffs on use of such facilities were low compared to the costs incurred by the council in rendering services.

She said that tariffs for the use of the stadium for football games were charged P600 against the surge in utility bills for water and electricity that were left for the council to tackle.

Ms Sithelo also said some of the new tariffs were endorsed as a deterrent to bad practices and the use of rented facilities. “Some of the revised and endorsed tariffs include that of regulation of land use, new applications on planning and building permissions, environmental health services, architecture and building services on use of stadium, and cemetery fees and primary health care, amongst others,” she said.

Selebi Phikwe Town Councillors unanimously agreed to the revised set of tariffs, saying it would enhance the town’s developmental needs and be met sustainably.

Specially elected Councillor, Ms Onalenna Kobe emphasised the importance of the recently revised tariffs, saying they were a timely measure that would significantly contribute to generating additional revenue. She said the revised tariffs were crucial efforts to meet the rising demand for services and manage the growing traffic congestion in key areas of the community.

Specially elected councillor,  Mr Mpho Marabu also voiced his support for the updated tariffs, highlighting their necessity for enhancing overall service delivery. He pointed out that it was vital to align the services provided with the current needs of residents, ensuring that the town kept pace with its rapid growth and development.

He said such alignment would help maintain an efficient and responsive system that addressed the evolving challenges faced by the community. ENDS