THE eThekwini Municipality has welcomed the decision by the Durban High Court to dismiss the application by the Westville Ratepayers Association (WRA) to declare the rates charged for the financial years from 2005-2008 unlawful and not due to the municipality.

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The Bluff Ratepayers and Residents’ Association (BRRA) has also been raising concerns about rates charged by the municipality. Chairperson for the BRRA, Norman Gilbert, has been calling on the ratepayers to oppose rate increases by the municipality.

The application was occasioned by an investigation report commissioned by the WRA which found that the municipality did not comply with all relevant legislations which required it to publish the rates promulgation in the Provincial Gazette.

The municipality said in a statement it disputed this and contended that it had complied with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and published the promulgation in the Gazette.

“According to the judge who presided over the case, this assertion was not disputed by the applicant (WRA). Furthermore, the judge said that ‘leaving aside that the application was based on a meritless investigation report, I disagree with the applicant that the municipality was obliged to comply with all relevant legislation in promulgating rates’,” eThekwini said in a statement.

eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba, said the municipality welcomed the judgement as it demonstrates the city’s commitment to conduct its business within the framework of the law.

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“Residents must rest assured of our commitment to run a clean, accountable and transparent administration,” said Xaba.

Xaba added that he strongly believed in the constructive resolution of disputes and that if residents are not satisfied with the manner in which the municipality runs its affairs, his door remains open for engagements.

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