Edenvale residents have been encouraged to take an interest in how their taxes are spent and how they are charged.
On April 25 an informal budget imbizo will be held at the Edenvale Library.
The event will be held from 6pm to 8pm.
Also read: EMM tables its budget – tariff increases announced
Clr Heather Hart (ward 18) said the meeting will give community members the opportunity to learn more about the municipality’s 2017/2018 draft budget.
This comes after Hart was recently asked questions in connection with electricity tariffs.
“The type of connection and the amount of electricity used on a property determines what tariffs are used,” said Hart.
She said tariffs are directly linked to the amount of electricity used on a property.
According to Hart different electricity connections are used for building, residential or business purposes.
“It is the responsibility of the resident to ensure that the correct amount is paid to the municipality. Ignorance should not be an excuse,” said Hart.
She emphasised that it is the duty of the citizen to keep the municipality informed.
“If residents do not follow the correct procedures they could accumulate large amounts of debt,” said Hart.
For example, with a recently built property becoming active for residential use, the correct procedure is as follows:
- The property owners must obtain an electrical certificate of compliance once construction is finished.
- The the certificate must be sent to the municipality, which then approves the certificate.
- The municipality then provides the property owners with a residential electrical connection and the correct tariff.
Hart said even the tariffs charged for residential use vary depending on the number of kilowatts used.
And it is more than likely, she said, that policies and tariffs will be changed to accommodate the new budget.
This includes what tariffs are charged and how they are charged.
Hart encouraged community members to attend the informal budget imbizo and learn more about how their money will be spent.
“Residents will be given the opportunity to ask questions and have a greater understanding of existing tariffs, new tariffs and any other information related to the budget,” said Hart.
She emphasised the need for citizens to do their homework and find out as much information as possible.
She encouraged residents to speak to the relevant authorities, visit the municipality’s website and read the monthly newsletters from the City of Ekurhuleni to get as much information as they can.
To download the City of Ekurhuleni’s 2017/2018 draft budget visit: www.ekurhuleni.gov.za/annual-budget.
