Ratepayers should oppose increases

THE Editor’s View, “Municipality is failing ratepayers” (the POST, June 9-13), made me sad.

It seems many councillors and those who earn money from the city are now smug in their positions. The only party that is holding placard demonstrations is African Democratic Change (Adec). They feel the tariffs are unfair and the city has failed its people. Well done, Adec leader Visvin Reddy.

Maybe it’s time for all councillors to make their voices heard during this trying period, or is it because they are afraid to upset the powers at city hall?

I urge ratepayers to engage with one voice on the increases that will be implemented from July 1.

Will the eThekwini Municipality have the gall to inflict upon its citizens spectacular increases in property rates of 4.9%, electricity by 14.59%, sanitation by 8.5% and water by 8.5%?

During the pandemic, which has affected all ratepayers, they have experienced the loss of income and unemployment.

It would be tragic if the municipality were to go ahead with these exorbitant increases to further burden communities. These increases are well above inflation and there seems to be no constructive attempts to alleviate the hardships on our communities.

We taxpayers can be assured that justice will prevail.

DHAYALAN MOODLEY

Mobeni Heights