No end in sight for battle between Msunduzi, ratepayers over ‘double billing’
The City has accused the Msunduzi Association of Residents, Ratepayers and Civics of spreading a false narrative about its billing system.
The association is battling the municipality over what it believes to be an unlawful billing cycle.
According to the municipality, the new double billing system is meant to assist consumers.
But it has led to widespread unhappiness among residents.
The association has embarked on a three-month fundraising campaign to raise awareness of its intended legal action against the municipality.
But City Manager Lulamile Mapholoba says they still believe there is room for negotiation.
"We think that they are just on a fundraising drive using our name, and we will not accept that at all. If there are any challenges, those challenges are there for them to be addressed. They raise issues almost on a daily basis, and we attend to them."
The association has also threatened to take the City to court for its decision to embark on a multi-million rand sponsorship deal with Royal AM football club to use Harry Gwala Stadium.
Mapholoba says they have every right to do so.
He insists the sponsorship deal will boost the city's tourism and hospitality industry
"We believe that it is justified. If you look at the return on investment and the economic benefits that helping a PSL team in our city will bring.
"It is not a new arrangement. We have been sponsoring Maritzburg United for so many years until they were relegated, and the council thought that we to ensure that Harry Gwala Stadium, which is a legacy of the 2010 World Cup, must remain relevant, and for that to happen, you must have a PSL team that will use it."
