Letter of the week: Tough year ahead for North Coast ratepayers

DA Caucus Leader Cllr Madhun Sobram Sing, Ilembe and KwaDukuza municipalities, writes:

Consumers are beginning to feel the effects of rising costs coupled with a 1% VAT increase, fuel price increase and the proposed municipal annual tariff increase of 8-9.5 % by KDM and Ilembe respectively, according to the draft budget for 2018/2019.

Community participation together with all stakeholders is critical in the final determination of the increases to be implemented from July 1.

A belt tightening exercise is required otherwise most struggling consumers will be trapped in a cycle of debt and inability to service their debts. While provision has been made for the indigent in form of relief and concession they are also required to pay once the threshold of free service is exhausted.

Use electricity and water sparingly. Although inflation is just below 5% the increases will make a hole in our pockets. In some cases, the increases are unavoidable and regulated while in other cases they are cost reflective.

With all the increases the level of basic service delivery remains unacceptable, for example potholes, streetlights not working and refuse dumped anywhere are common problems in most wards. Communities needs to pride themselves by keeping their area safe and clean.

Culprits who don’t care about the environment they live in must be fined. Our bylaws must be enforced.

Better planning, co-ordination and monitoring is needed.

You can’t have a situation where complaints are lodged for 6-12 months and are still not attended to. It’s a poor reflection on management while there could be real challenges.

Work ethics have to improve. In a nutshell there are many gaps that require attention and intervention to improve service delivery.

Simply put, you could be paying just more than 30% on total services provided by KDM and Ilembe from July 1 if the draft budget is adopted as it is.