Higher utility bills for Maputo residents.

The city council has introduced new rubbish collection fees for Maputo residents as of the start of May. Under the new regime, which has been subject to repeated delays, the old monthly flat rate of 20 meticais per household has been replaced by a variable tariff that is linked to the amount of electricity consumed. Households that use 100 kilowatt hours (Kwh) or less a month will now pay 10 meticais; from 101-200 Kwh 20 meticais; from 201 and 500 Kwh 45 meticais; and over 500 Kwh 65 meticais.

Higher fees apply to businesses and institutions: 50 meticais for up to 200 Kwh; 100 meticais for 201-500 Kwh and 150 meticais for over 500 Kwh.

The new tax will still be attached to the monthly electricity bill as in the past to facilitate collection.

The new rubbish tax regime coincides with an increase in the price of electricity: from 2.198 to 2.34 meticais for the first 200 Kwh; from 2.929 to 3.11 meticais per Kwh from 201-500 Kwh; and from 3.077 to 3.27 meticais per Kwh for consumption above 500 Kwh.