The Democratic Alliance in eThekwini Municipality has received nearly 16,000 submissions opposing the proposed tariff hikes by the municipality. This significant number of petitions has effectively alerted thousands of residents to the city’s intention to burden ratepayers with increased tariffs, which do not correspond with the services provided.
The DA views the mobilisation of thousands of supporters by civic organisations to march to city hall in opposition to the exorbitant tariff increases as a great victory. In spite of allegations that the DA incited civil society to reject the budget, we are certain that we committed to a fundamental democratic principle by conducting adequate public consultation.
Tariff reductions:
Electricity tariff from 21.9% to 18.49%
Sanitation tariff from 11.9% to 10.9%
Rates tariff reduced from 8% to 7.9%
Although this victory is significant for residents, it is regrettable that water rates will not be cut. These tariffs continue to be unnecessarily high, and businesses will endure a huge 15.9% hike, which is 2% greater than last year. All of these hikes are substantially above the rate of inflation, putting already struggling households in a financial bind.
As the Democratic Alliance pointed out, such a high tariff increase could have been avoided had the ANC-led government recovered the billions owed to it, removed the yearly non-revenue losses of water and electricity, which total nearly R3 billion, and put a stop to corruption and theft.
eThekwini is experiencing a gradual collapse, with the national government considering intervention through administration. It is time for Mayor Kaunda and his colleagues to recognise the evident signs of decline and step down from their positions.