Letter: Standardise rates

Shain Manjoo of KwaDukuza writes:

The proposed municipal increases in rates and taxes in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic is sadly indicative of the current state of our country, especially those whom we have entrusted to manage our civic affairs.

Phrases and terms such as “political and social elite” ring true when councillors and municipal management display their wanton disconnect with communities they represent.

Perhaps this is due to the flawed expectation that, despite prevailing conditions and circumstances, annual salary increases and bonuses must still be effected.

It beggars belief that there should be the slightest consideration of increases in both rates and salaries in such strained social and economic times.

It is even more inconceivable that individual metros and municipalities will unilaterally approve their own rates and tariff increases creating economic disparities in various cities and towns.

This lends credence to the argument that rates and tariffs should ideally be standardised either nationally, provincially or by classification as metros, districts and towns.

In a 2017 comparative study of KZN municipalities, major differences and anomalies were found regarding policies and tariffs adopted for rates, electricity, water and other charges.

Uniformity will also result in other benefits including that of promoting the best and most cost-effective business practices, enhanced measurement of municipal performance and improved service delivery by allowing municipalities to focus on their core civic functions and objectives.

Further, the processes of property valuations, objections and appeals which consume considerable time and effort will be centralised rather than be devolved to local government.

It is sincerely hoped in these trying times that our elected leaders empathise with the plight of struggling South Africans and effect meaningful change for the better.

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