PHALABORWA – The Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality (BPM) and South African National Parks (Sanparks) reached a temporary agreement after the municipality shut down the water supply to the Kruger National Park’s (KNP) Phalaborwa Gate on December 9, due to an alleged R44m in unpaid rates and taxes accumulated over several years.

Municipality cites failed engagement with Sanparks

“Over the past two months, the debt-collection company acting on behalf of the municipality has tried several times to engage the KNP, but without success,” an anonymous source told the Herald.

“The park had promised to meet with the municipality and the debt collectors on November 19, but after that, there was no further communication. As a result, the municipality had no option but to cut services.”

The KNP is not the only defaulter. Other major debtors, according to the debt collecting company, include residents in estates, whose combined debt is estimated at between R2m and R3m.

Individual homeowners, schools, lodges, clinics, community property associations (CPAs), and various other entities owe additional arrears.

Residents question paying for unreliable services

Speaking to residents, the reasons for non-payment vary. Some cite financial difficulties, while others argue there is no justification for paying rates and taxes when the municipality allegedly fails to provide basic services.

Many point to ongoing issues such as inconsistent water supply, pothole-ridden roads, a deteriorating electricity network, frequent power outages, and widespread sewage spills affecting several parts of town and surrounding communities.

Sanparks’ head of communications JP Louw told the Herald that “following an engagement with the respective municipal manager Thabitha Mokobi, earlier on the same day (December 9), an agreement was reached to restore water supply to the park with immediate effect. This was subsequently done on the same day”.

Louw further said that a meeting with the municipality has been arranged to address this matter comprehensively and to work towards a constructive and sustainable solution.

Dispute over how rates are calculated

Amongst issues that require agreement with all parties is an agreed methodology on how property rates must be calculated, considering legislation that governs Sanparks and, by extension, KNP.

“Specifically on the matter with the municipality, clarity will be sought on how calculations were made of the suggested owed amount. As is, there are no records on our part confirming that an amount of R44m is legitimately owed to BPM,” he said.

He concluded by stating that “whilst municipalities do provide some essential services to KNP, it must be noted that the park is largely self–sufficient”.