SEDIBENG.- The new baby on the political block in the area, the Progressive Civics Congress (PCC) has said that it has sent a petition to the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Executive Mayor, Sipho Radebe that states its stance on the proposed “unjustifiable proposed tariff increases”.

The PPC said that it sent the petition earlier this month to ELM Municipal Manager (MM), April Ntuli.

The Progressive Civics Congress (PCC) which describes itself as a community-driven organisation, dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of residents in the Sedibeng region is led by Griffiths Mzizi, a former Ward Councillor in the ELM and former ANC member.

The PPC said that it is consistently working towards ensuring that local governance is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people.

A statement it issued said, “We, the Progressive Civics Congress, Sedibeng Region, vehemently reject the recent tariff increases proposed by the Emfuleni Municipality. These increases are not only unjustifiable but also demonstrate clear disregard for the plight of residents who are already struggling under the weight of unemployment, poverty, and poor service delivery.”

The PPC further stated:

• Water Tariff Increase of 15.30%

“The proposed increase in water tariffs is unacceptable, especially given the municipality’s failure to address critical issues such as non-functional metering, sporadic water leaks, ageing infrastructure, and unaccounted water losses.”

• Assessment Rates

“We reject the proposed assessment rates, which appear to be arbitrary and corrupt, particularly given the numerous high-jacked buildings, dilapidated structures, and foreign-owned businesses that are not properly assessed.”

• Sewer Tariff Increase of 4.40%

“The increase in sewer tariffs is unjustifiable given the municipality’s failure to maintain sewer infrastructure, address health hazards, and repair damaged infrastructure.”

• Refuse Removal Increase of 4.40%

“We strongly condemn the proposed increase in refuse removal tariffs given the municipality’s dismal failure to provide regular refuse collection services, maintain cleanliness, and address the root causes of non- collection.”

• Electricity Tariff Increase of 10.74%

“The proposed increase in electricity tariffs is also unacceptable, especially considering the prevalence of illegal connections, continued infrastructure damage, and lack of maintenance. If we do not receive a satisfactory response to this petition within 14 days, we will be left with no choice but to escalate our action. This includes organising a peaceful march to the municipality and exploring legal avenues, including taking the municipality to court to challenge the unjustifiable tariff increases.”

The PCC urged the municipality to reconsider the increases and, “engage in transparent, inclusive discussions with community representatives”.

ELM spokesperson, Makhosonke Sangweni, said that his office was not aware about the petition, but that they have forwarded it to the relevant office (After receiving an enquiry about it from Sedibeng Ster).