No power, water cuts during lockdown, promises Durban Mayor

THERE will be no electricity or water cuts for Durban residents during the 21-day lockdown.

This was announced by eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, during a full council meeting on Thursday at the City Hall.

“No interest will be charged on arrears incurred during the period of the lockdown,” said Kaunda.

ALSO READ: No disruption to essential services during Covid-19 lockdown, assures Durban Mayor

Kaunda said the deadline for submission of applications for rates rebates will be extended to the 31st of May.

Kaunda also introduced next year’s R52.3 billion budget, the 2020/2021 to 2022/2023 Medium Term Revenue and Expendutire Framework (MRTEF).

The mayor said the budget was constructed with the devasting effects of the Coronavirus pandemic in mind.

These are the notable takeaways from the budget:

*6.9% Electricity tariff increase proposal. (Last year it was 14.4%, MRTEF had anticipated it to be 10% for this year)

*9.9% Water tariff increase proposal. (Last year it was 15%, MRTEF had anticipated it to be 23% for this year).

*9.9% Refuse collection tariff increase (same as last year).

*Approval of the Indigent Policy that subsidises basic services for residents in homes valued under R500 000 and a combined income of under R3600 per month.

ALSO READ: Covid-19: Durban mayor warns bathers, surfers that laws will be enforced

Mayor Kaunda said there will be budget repriorisation to cover potential shortfalls arising from the coronavirus pandemic.

A trust fund will also be initiated by the city to provide relief for small and informal businesses. This will be in addition but separate to a similar SMME (Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises) fund that was initiated by the national government.

Nicole Graham, Democratic Alliance eThekwini caucus leader said they supported the budget but proposed the coronavirus interventions be extended over a period of time.

ALSO READ: No load shedding expected during lockdown

Graham said the effects of the pandemic will be felt for 6-9 months after the lockdown. “It’s very hard to sell small tariff increases to communities when they dont receive services,” she said.

The budget was carried through the full council by majority with the DA abstaining.

The budget will now be sent for public comment.

Opposition parties suggested the city explore innovative measures to get the public to participate as full town hall meetings are now out of the question.

Dear reader,

As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.

Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).

Do you want to receive news alerts via Telegram? Send us a message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.

You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts

Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.