Siza Water plans to adopt phased approach to 41.4% increase

Siza Water is examining ways to avoid imposing a 41.4% tariff increase imposed on the Dolphin Coast water supplier by Umgeni Water on the public, but any tariff rise will be phased in slowly.

Speaking at the Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (Docrra) annual general meeting last Wednesday, Sembcorp Siza Water managing director Shyam Misra said the company had taken the increase imposed by Umgeni Water to the Constitutional Court as it had been higher than the 8.3% increase for iLembe District Municipality, amongst others.

However the court had ruled that the discrepancy was not unfair or discriminatory, overruling findings for Siza by the KZN High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Siza Water has fought the increase since 2014. Misra said the increase had not yet taken effect and were it to be imposed, Siza would look at ways of phasing it in slowly.

He emphasised that any increase would not be backdated for consumers.

He said Hazelmere Dam remained at a healthy capacity and Umgeni Water was investigating ways of increasing supply to the area through the Lower Tugela Scheme.

Docrra chairman, Deon Viljoen reported a steady growth in membership, despite the difficulties imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Former Docrra vice chairman, Ken Lever urged the organisation to continue a membership drive for all residents of the area, with a focus on residents living outside of estates.

Membership has grown by more than 750 since last year’s AGM and currently stands at 3 300.

Docrra represents the interest of residents and ratepayers on municipal rates, utility and other charges and service delivery-related matters of the KwaDukuza municipality.

The association was available to assist residents who felt that the recent property evaluations were above the market value of their properties.

The meeting also heard that the Dolphin Coast Outreach initiative had continued to provide over 10 000 meals a month to the needy, made by 60 volunteers.

New members of the Docrra committee are: Hans Broerse, Vanessa Honiball, Don Forbes, Mary Kassam and Gaby Lyle. They join sitting members Deon Viljoen, Ken Lever, Deon Botha-Richards, Flip Helberg and Penny Fourie.

Lever said he was to step down soon, but would be continue to assist in an advisory capacity.