Call to oppose eThekwini tariff increases
The DA in eThekwini is calling on citizens to oppose proposed 2019/2020 tariff adjustments which will see them pay more for services.
It says the cost of water is set to increase by 15% for residents and 15.5% for businesses. The party says residents are also being made to foot the bill for water lost through leaks and theft. Electricity is projected to go up by 14.4% and refuse collection services by 9.9%.
DA eThekwini Councillor Nicole Graham says itis unacceptable that the municipality expects ratepayers to fork out more when they are already financially under pressure.
She says they've started an online petition.
"people are not happy with the service they are recieving, particularly if you look at load shedding and refuse services. Why should people continue paying more and more for services that are below standard," she said.
"The petition is online and can be accessed through various councillor Facebook pages. It is to show the municipality just how fed up people are with these costs", Graham said.
Meanwhile, the municipality says the deadline for the submission of signed rates rebate renewal forms is the 30th of this month. The City says renewal letters were issued by mid-March.
It says those who did not receive their letters should visit the municipal offices with their ID.
Authorities are also warning customers - especially senior citizens - not to be conned by rates rebate scamsters posing as municipal officials.