Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association chairman Deon Viljoen writes:

I refer to the article published in last week’s Courier titled ‘KwaDukuza and eThekwini residents face some of SA’s highest tariff increases‘.

The comparison of tariff increase percentages shared therein omits important variables that form part of what homeowners will actually pay in rands and cents and may lead to a distorted perception of municipal rates and tariffs in our area.

Firstly, one must consider the base randage rates to which any increases are applied. The base randage rate of eThekwini is already about 40% higher than KwaDukuza. Any proposed increase in rates in eThekwini start from a higher base figure than what we pay in KDM.

Furthermore, these increases cannot simply be added together in isolation. They should rather be considered in relation to the overall expenditure profile for municipal services of the household. Although the overall proposed increase across all categories (rates, refuse, water, electricity etc.) may be at around 8%, expenditure in each one of these tariff categories is not in equal proportion.

We also cannot have a discussion comparing rates and service tariffs without examining the quality of the services we receive. Here on the Dolphin Coast, we are blessed to have not one, but two, private sector companies, who provide water and refuse removal services to a very high standard. Those same services in eThekwini are categorically inferior; apples and rotten oranges, if you will.

Finally, the final approved increases have not yet been confirmed and these may still change meaningfully. The ongoing engagement and influence of Kora and Docrra with KDM have proven successful in recent years in achieving adjustments and improved outcomes for residents.

Whilst KDM undoubtedly faces many service delivery and infrastructure challenges, it remains considerably more competitive and affordable than the article suggests.