Proposed tariff increases draconian
THE eThekwini Municipality’s proposal to impose exorbitant tariff increases on already struggling ratepayers of the city is nothing short of draconian.
A staggering 8.9% increase in property rates, 21.9% hike in electricity, 14.9% surge in water tariffs, and 8% rise in refuse fees will undoubtedly cause devastating consequences for ratepayers, who are already grappling with unemployment and poverty.
The recent protest staged by 53 ratepayer groups from around Durban outside City Hall clearly illustrates that the ratepayers will not stand idly by while the municipality continues to levy exorbitant tariff increases for pitiful services.
It is deplorable to expect already financially stressed ratepayers to pay for mediocre services.
The municipality needs to wake up and take responsibility for the deterioration of essential services, such as non-functional street lights, water disruptions, unrepaired potholes and inefficient municipal call centres.
Moreover, the municipality’s proposal to impose such massive tariff increases on the ratepayers, when the economy is teetering on the brink, with unemployment and poverty levels at an all-time high, is downright reprehensible.
Instead of imposing such exorbitant tariffs, the city needs to focus on rooting out corruption and eliminating inefficiencies, such as a bloated administration, and water losses at unprecedented levels.
While politics may be taking centre stage, it is crucial for the municipality to prioritise the ratepayers’ welfare over politics.
ADeC unequivocally condemns the municipality’s proposal to increase tariffs and will not be supporting any increases.
We implore all political parties to unite in safeguarding the ratepayers’ interest, and ensure that they are not burdened by exorbitant tariffs that they cannot afford. It is high time for all parties to put aside political differences, and work for the betterment of the ratepayers.
After all, it is the ratepayers who put politicians in their positions of power.