Councillors owe ratepayers an explanation

THE WAY this City has decided to milk its citizens to fund their mismanagement of the water crisis has sunk to new levels. One’s monthly rates account will now have to be analysed with a fine toothcomb. Our July account suddenly featured under the already exorbitant water tariffs section what is euphemistically called a “fixed basic charge” for whatever, to the tune of R100.

This month under “sundries” another additional charge called “electricity user charge” to the tune of R130.44.

We should all add our voices to unseat this lot as soon as next year’s make-or-break election. It should have been abundantly clear to the Western Cape electorate that they would be treading on disastrous grounds by voting in a parallel government. They are now reaping the rewards for this miscalculated and fearful belief in the “swart gevaar” danger by not supporting the central government in its endeavours to alleviate the suffering of the poor.

History will judge the “confused coloureds” harshly when they’ll be blamed for delivering this country back to an apartheid government hellbent on seizing power at all costs.

How will the poor ever be able to pay for something as basic as water with these untoward charges. And then we see in papers the unbelievably high accounts of thousands of rands some poor people receive, and the arrogant way they are treated by insensitive officials.

Both our domestic worker and gardener say they simply cannot afford these accounts with rising food, transport and just about all other costs. Therefore they just refuse to pay.

Everyone must agree with a recent letter questioning why councillors whom folks had voted into power do not challenge all these wrong decisions making the lives of people so miserable. Should we not know how each of them voted on contentious issues such as these? Or are they toeing the line to protect their lavish salaries and perks? Perilous times lie ahead. KOERT MEYER Welgelegen