eThekwini ratepayers denied interdict over payment boycott

The Westville Ratepayers Association has been denied an interdict against the city.

Earlier this year, the association decided to withhold rate payments to the municipality over tariff hikes and what they say is poor or no service delivery.

They approached the courts after attempts to disconnect their services.

 The Durban High Court on Friday dismissed their application with costs.

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"The judge made effectively means that residents supporting the rates boycott must pay for services, including penalties, interests and the reconnection fees,” says eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Lindiwe Khuzwayo.

“Furthermore, where residents who have been disconnected are found to have illegal connections, the meter will be removed." 

Westville Ratepayers Association chairperson Asad Gaffar says they accept the court outcome.

"The fight still continues, so its not to say we have been defeated and we gonna close shop and we and sit quiet in some corner. 

If this is gonna motivate us to come a little harder at the city what people need to understand and those who are celebrating the victory, they need to understand the position they are putting themselves in  terms of the city.

The fact that the city won it means we open to abuse and thats the concern that we have for Ratepayers.