LGE 2026: Carl Lortan to run for Ward 31 councillor seat
Ward 31 ratepayers are concerned about poor service delivery, considering the revenue collected in the ward.
WITH the 2026 Local Government Elections just around the corner, councillors will be elected for all district, metropolitan and local municipalities across the country’s nine provinces.
The Berea Mail took to the streets of Ward 31 to meet and greet some of the councillor candidates assigned by the different political parties to compete for the hot seat come the November 4 Local Government Elections.
The eThekwini Ratepayers Political Movement (ERPM) will make its maiden appearance in the Local Government Elections space. It rose from being a ratepayers’ movement to an official political player this year.
Also read: Ratepayers movement certified to contest LGE 2026
Carl Lortan is tasked with leading Ward 31, under the party. As a community activist, Lortan has been the chairperson of the Sydenham Ratepayers’ Association for the last six years, during which time he has worked closely with the various eThekwini municipal departments, and attended meetings with the mayor and his municipal team.
“Our major concern is the poor service delivery we are receiving from the municipality – when one considers the revenue collected in Ward 31 this is unacceptable,” Lortan said.
Also read: LGE 2026: Community activist promises safer, cleaner Ward 31
He added that another major concern is the wasteful and fruitless expenditure they are experiencing in eThekwini, and lack of accountability from EXCO.
“Lastly our tariff increases of water, electricity and rates are one of the highest in the country. Our residents are struggling, and cannot afford these high municipal bills. Our most vulnerable pensioners are suffering the most and have to enter into payment agreements with the municipality due to monthly estimates and incorrect readings, hence as ERPM we feel strongly that the only way to rectify this is to stand as ward councillors and seek representation in council,” Lortan concluded.
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