Flak over hostel rates collections

ETHEKWINI municipality is putting the cart before the horse by seeking “urgent interventions” for rates collections in hostels around the city, Ubunye bamaHostela, an organisation which represents nine hostels, said.

It was not clear which hostels were targeted and how much was owed over what period. On Tuesday, municipal spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela acknowledged receipt of a media query seeking this information, but did not provide answers.

Spokesperson for the hostel organisation, Steve Thusi, said: “The city is putting the cart before the horse. The municipality should prioritise maintaining the hostels and deal with overpopulation and inspection on every repair or cleaning taking place.” |