Fury unleashed: Backlash erupts against proposed tariff hikes in eThekwini
The proposed tariff hikes have been emphatically rejected by the Bluff Ratepayers' and Residents' Association.
IN a bold stance against the eThekwini Municipality’s proposed tariff hikes, the Bluff Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (BRRA) has unleashed scathing criticism, denouncing the increases as a grave threat to the local community’s financial well-being.
Under the proposed plan, electricity tariffs are slated to surge by 14%, water rates by 14.9%, sanitation charges by 12.9%, and refuse collection fees by 9.9%. The BRRA argues that such substantial hikes will exacerbate the fragility of South Africa’s economy, which is already grappling with numerous challenges.
Also read:Â Hundreds of outraged residents march against tariff hikes and load-shedding
Deputy chairperson of the BRRA Allison Schoeman said, “In the wake of recent crises and ongoing economic adversities confronting our community, the BRRA finds it imperative to address the significant apprehensions stemming from the eThekwini Municipality’s proposed budget for 2024/ 2025, unveiled on March 19.”
Schoeman highlighted the hardships endured by residents, emphasising the municipality’s responsibility to recognise and mitigate the financial strains experienced by its constituents. She expressed concerns that the proposed tariff increases, surpassing the inflation rate by threefold, would place insurmountable financial pressure on households, potentially leading to dire consequences such as property dispossession.
Moreover, the BRRA questioned the municipality’s alignment with its stated vision and mission, suggesting a disconnect between the proposed budgetary measures and the welfare of eThekwini’s citizens.
Also read:Â Municipality opens dumpsite on The Bluff
In response, the BRRA put forth alternative strategies for revenue generation and service enhancement, advocating for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), Land Value Capture (LVC) mechanisms, and the issuance of Green and Social Bonds. These initiatives aim to foster economic growth and social welfare without burdening residents and businesses with exorbitant tariffs.
The association urged eThekwini Municipality to explore the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to stimulate investment and job creation, emphasising the importance of aligning economic policies with local development objectives.
As deliberations continue, The Bluff community remains vigilant, advocating for fiscal policies that prioritise the well-being and prosperity of its residents.
According to eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda, the total proposed budget for 2024/ 2025 is R67.3 billion with an operating budget of R59.7 billion and a capital budget of R7.6 billion. Speaking at the draft budget meeting held in Durban, Kaunda said the budget is constrained by a proposed Eskom tariff increase of 12.72% and an uMngeni-uThukela Water Board average increase of 9.5%.
“The high fuel price and the price increase of other goods and services above inflation also constrain what can be done in the budget while also ensuring that tariff increases are reasonable to our residents,” said Kaunda in a statement.
Residents opposing the tariff increases are urged to submit their objections by clicking on the following link: https://forms.gle/zLms14SsiZsh8Xer9
The budget and tariff documents can be found at www.durban.gov.za, Sizakala Centres and municipal libraries.
The public is urged to submit their comments on the budget by emailing comments2021@durban.gov.za or attending public consultations in your ward before April 19.
For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram.
