Two years’ water increase on bills

Ilembe District Municipality increased sewerage by 18% while advertised 9.5% in Budget on 20/3/13.
An angry business consumer phoned and complained about how openly the Ilembe District Municipality (IDM) cheated property owners whom they charge for sewerage. There has been some correspondence on this subject but Ilembe refuses to budge saying they forgot to increase sewerage rate by 8% the previous year and felt justified in adding it into the 9.6% for this year – without consulting us.
This is illegal which means that Ilembe knowingly broke the law of the country and the Council/officials should be held accountable. They do the local government structure’s credibility no good and with the coming national elections this could be an issue.
It is difficult to comprehend how they could make such an important omission except by looking at the quality of the staff and the systems. It shows that charging sewer on property values is not efficient and charging a usage tariff works better. Siza Water uses the usage tariff in Ballito and Ilembe should do the same as we are part of KwaDukuza community. Catch a wake up call.
A more equable way to remedy the omission would be to admit their mistake and offer to increase the 8% over two years. Ilembe had the opportunity to do the right thing when they had a full page advert with amendments on 12/7/13.
Consumers look forward to a satisfactorily outcome to the problem.
FRANK DU TOIT (SECRETARY)
North Coast KwaDukuza Ratepayers Assoc
Ilembe District municipality has not responded to requests for comment. – Editor.