Docrra to meet ratepayers over tariff increases

Dolphin Coast residents unhappy both with the concessions given by KwaDukuza municipality in the coming year’s budget and the approach of the ratepayers’ association will be given a chance to air their views at a public meeting this week.

More than 6 000 residents objected to the increases proposed in KDM’s draft budget and while some areas were lowered at the last minute, many are not satisfied.

They are also dissatisfied with the approach of the Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (Docrra), which they accuse of negotiating with KDM without a mandate.

Many residents who objected said they were barely surviving and struggling to meet their present commitments, mainly due to loss of income caused by the Covid-19 lockdown over the past three months.

They believe there should be no increase for the next 5 years. Docrra chairman, Deon Viljoen said there was a marked difference in the approaches which he accepted had caused animosity.

“We are calling a community engagement session to meet with concerned ratepayers and share views and information. The aim of the meeting is to clear the air and agree on a common goal and process on this issue for the Dolphin Coast.”

Viljoen said the association also needed additional resources and committee members to help address members’ concerns with KDM.

The public meeting will be held at Simbithi Country Club on Thursday, July 9 at 6pm. As only 50 people will be permitted to attend, ratepayers wanting entrance must email admin@docrra.co.za providing name, contact number and email address.

The facilitator for the session will be Tim Tyrrell from Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA).

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