The community representatives of wards 12 and 14 held an integrated development plan (IDP) meeting at the Lydenburg Civic Centre in Thaba Chweu Local Municipality (TCLM) on Thursday.
One of the most discussed points on the agenda was the increase in refuse and sewerage rates. Ratepayers can expect a staggering increase for these services, according to a DA councillor.
Spiros Couvaras and Marius Opperman, the DA councillors of wards 12 and 14, informed the attendees of budget constraints and where the service delivery and maintenance budgets are currently being focused.
Couvaras said according to the 2023/24 budget, the refuse and sewerage rates will increase by 100%. It will be an increase from R139 to R278 in urban residential areas.
In Mashishing and rural areas, the rates will increase from R139 to R193 per unit, by 40%.
“We as the DA feel this is unfair to the ratepayers. We suggest that the increase should be in line with the value of the property, then it won’t penalise high-income earners.”
The meeting was also attended by the executive mayor of TCLM, Friddah Nkadimeng, and Dikeledi Sibanyoni, a member of the mayoral committee for
local economic development and planning. The IDP’s review was also attended by private stakeholders and organised businesses.
The budget is available on www.tclm.gov.za for the public to view and give input.
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