Out of her depth

THANK you for yesterday’s article: “Proposed tariff hike aimed at water security”.

First, I’d like to point out, I think your reporter was misinformed.

By all other accounts, the Monwabisi scheme did not reach full production early this year. In fact, it has not even been completed.

Second, I’d like to take issue with Ms Limberg’s statement that: “All water sold below 10.5kl has been heavily subsidised, which means middle- and high-income households have been subsidised.”

But where does the money for such subsidies come from? From rates, mostly – the biggest proportion of which are paid by middle- and high-income households. So, in fact, these middleand high-income groups are subsidising everyone else, not the other way round, as Ms Limberg implies.

That Ms Limberg doesn’t announce it this way, demonstrates she is not suitable for her role. At 31 years old, and with only a political science degree, is she really properly qualified to head up the water and sanitation portfolios, among other portfolios as well?

And, as far as we know, not a single person has been fired for the Cape Town water fiasco, while Limberg has overseen some in water management hiking their salaries in January by an incredible 25%, with top managers now getting a ridiculous R116 000/month.

Since Ms Limberg herself is now part of the rich club, earning over R100 000 per month, has she also lost sight of the impact the city’s proposed R150/month water levy will have on so many struggling households, particularly retirees?

Surely Ms Limberg must go?