Phoenix: Call for 0% water tariff hike
RESIDENTS in Phoenix have added their objections to eThekwini Municipality’s proposed tariff increases – especially the 14.9% for water – due to the ongoing water outages in the suburb.
They believe that a 0% water hike should be implemented until the service is fully restored in the area.
Residents, community activists and political parties raised their concerns during the Draft Budget and Integrated Development Plans consultation roadshows for 2024/2025 at the Stonebridge Community Hall on Thursday.
Val Pillay, a resident from Centenary Park, said local communities would not survive the proposed hikes.
“People are struggling to put food on the table. There are many who cannot even afford to pay their current bills. How are they supposed to manage the increases? Our community has not had a proper supply of water for months, yet we are expected to pay more for this service. It’s 30 years since democracy and we continue to have such challenges.”
Pillay said that if the proposed hikes went ahead, it would be the final straw for some homes, and could lead to further incidents of domestic abuse and suicide.
“Why should we pay for water when our taps are dry?”
Savesh Harry, of Stonebridge, said he shared a home with his mother, who was a pensioner. He worked at odd jobs to earn an income.
“We are struggling. Our utility bill comes to R2 300 – R2 400 a month. We have to use my mother’s entire grant and whatever I get from the odd jobs to pay the bill.”
Harry said it was difficult and stressful to meet this monthly commitment.
“Do we pay the bill or put food on the table? Life is hard, and now we have to deal with these increases,” he said.
Desiree Naidoo, from Clayfield, said the municipality had failed in its promise to build water infrastructure.
“Sadly, our taps run dry almost every day, and we also have to deal with power outages. Water and electricity are a basic need for households. Most of my neighbours are pensioners. How will they survive? The proposed water tariff is ridiculous, especially at this time,” said Naidoo.
Bradley Singh, from the DA, said: “The proposed tariff for water is 14.9%, and currently the residents in Phoenix, Verulam and Tongaat do not have water. My proposal would be for a 0% increase until the municipality can deliver water to these areas.”
Resident Stanley Moonsamy said the community was entitled to regular water and electricity services.
Selvan Chetty, from the Phoenix Civic and Ratepayers Association, said the consultation process was too short, and there was not enough time for residents to process the budget allocation and the proposed tariff increases.
“We sit here today without any water for three days across Phoenix.”
Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda told residents the repairs to the northern aqueduct was delayed due to the illegal municipal workers’ strike last month.
He said the repair was in the final touch-up stage and that the pipeline was expected to be commissioned by May 15.
Kaunda said the municipality had allocated a budget to buy 100 more water tankers.
Following the consultation process, the concerns of residents would be considered
before the council’s approved budget is finalised on April 30.
Kaunda will approve the final budget on May 28.
Ratepayers and stakeholders must submit their comments by emailing comments2021@durban.gov.za or attend public consultations in their ward before April 19.