SEDIBENG.- The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) in Sedibeng has condemned what it regards as the continued abuse and financial burden placed on community members by municipal authorities through “excessive and unaffordable municipal bills”.
MKP Sedibeng spokesperson, Mpiyakhe Nhlapo, said the MKP stands with the people.
“Our communities are struggling with unemployment and poverty, yet residents are being confronted with extremely high electricity charges, rates and taxes, and other municipal costs that many households simply cannot afford.”
He added that they are particularly concerned about the alleged incorrect valuation of properties, including RDP houses, which can result in residents being charged rates and taxes that do not reflect their actual circumstances.
You pay as you use.
“Our people should not be subjected to unaffordable municipal charges because of administrative failures or incorrect property valuations.”
Meanwhile, Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) spokesperson, Makhosonke Sangweni, told Sedibeng Ster that the municipality has no policy on flat rate but only applies it where there are no meters, using the resolution of councils.
“We generally have a flat rate for water across, but not for all services for a reason we all know: that you pay as you use. Most of our basic services, especially water and electricity, are metered and therefore aggregated based on your individual usage.”
Our people deserve a municipality that serves them with dignity.
MKP has called for what it said is a proper, independent and transparent audit of municipal finances, billing systems, property valuations and revenue collection.
“We further demand accountability where officials are found to be unqualified, incompetent or responsible for maladministration. Our people deserve a municipality that serves them with dignity, transparency and accountability—not one that places an unbearable financial burden on struggling households,” said Nhlapo.
“The MKP believes that there must be practical solutions to the challenges facing our communities. We support the implementation of a fair and affordable flat-rate system that takes into consideration the economic realities of our people.”
