Alberton community records collection rate of 99.81 per cent

In June last year, the collection rate recorded for Alberton rate payers was 96.40 per cent.

It has since increased to 99.81 per cent in March.

This was announced during the City of Ekurhuleni’s (CoE) Integrated Development and Planning (IDP) and budget consultative meeting held at Alberton Civic Centre on April 16.

Locals from wards 37, 38, 53, 58, 94 and 106 were allowed to have their say on the metro’s budget.

The meeting, which was attended by numerous stakeholders, was chaired by MMC of water, sanitation and energy Tiisetso Nketle.

Nketle explained that IDP is a process through which municipalities prepare a strategic development plan, which extends over five years.

“This then guides and informs all planning, budgeting, management and decision-making processes in the municipality. Through this process, members of the community have an opportunity to comment on the developmental programmes of the metro,” she said.

On the day, she also outlined mayoral priorities, strategic programmes and strategic urban developments. Also in attendance were Ward 106 alderman Bruna Haipel and Ward 38 councillor Malcolm Maifala-Masebe.

CoE’s achievements

During her presentation, Nketle assured CoE locals is committed to good governance.

She said it prides itself on empowering communities through job creation, mayoral bursaries and community developments.

“Through the Aqua Leap programme, the City is building 29 new reservoirs, with five completed and 10 to be completed by June and a total cost estimated at R8-billion. At least 95 per cent of leaking water pipes were repaired within 48 hours,” she stated.

CoE has reportedly spent R174-million on upgrading 33kV cable between Albermale.

Tariff increases

Proposed tariff increases include sanitation with an expected increase of eight per cent on domestic and 17 per cent on industrial. Water is proposed at eight per cent as per Rand Water rates, refuse removal at seven per cent.

Energy ranges between 14.59 per cent to 17.8 per cent, the increase will be subject to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) final guidelines.

For sundry tariff increases, cemetery and crematoria is proposed at a 10 per cent increase for both CoE residents and non-residents. Municipal bus services are set at an average of 4.15 per cent increase and hire of parks facilities at a 4.1 per cent increase.

Challenges

Nketle also highlighted CoE has challenges of its own, which make it hard to meet service delivery targets.

“Illegal connections of water and electricity deprive CoE of the crucial revenue it requires to provide deserved services to its residents. The City allocates the limited resources to make maximum impact in delivering services each year,” said Nketle.

The City encourages residents to continue paying for the consumption of services. Illegal connections and theft of water and electricity should be reported on 0800 102 201.

Should you wish to comment on the developmental programme, comments are to be emailed to budgettips@ekurhuleni.gov.za before April 29.