Letter: Unrealistic increases

Bill Howard of Salt Rock writes:

The increases being proposed in basic services to ratepayers are far too high and unrealistic in these uncertain times.

As a resident of a pensionable age, 74, I receive a rebate, but all other increases being proposed are over and above the rates, which are already very high.

Our monthly income will most certainly have fallen, and one wonders how pensioners and the many other residents who have lost their jobs and will receive reduced income this next year, are expected to cope.

In respect of electricity, I object to the fact that local municipalities are able to add 100% onto our bill after the charges being levied by Eskom.

Electricity services should show some improvement if the municipality is going to use this to prop up its income, yet show no improvement in service delivery.

Street lights and breakdowns, lack of maintenance in substations has been shown to be below par.

The proposed increase in salaries for senior municipal staff is a shocker, if not a disgrace.

Salaries are already over the going rate compared to the private sector, where there is accountability and performance targets.

If the appropriate skills were a part of the conditions of employment, KDM should be able to reduce the number of employees it currently has.

As a result of the Covid pandemic, countries have to work smarter and harder, not employ more people.

Service delivery all over KDM is at a very low level. Roads are in an appalling state, bad enough to cause severe damage to cars and tyres.

Civil engineering projects need to be a bigger part of the budget – for example the washaway in Sheffield which is going to cost millions to repair.

Borrowing more and more money only leads to more and more costs in relation to servicing the debt.

Reducing expenses is a much better route to follow.

Letter shortened.

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