Tariff hikes proposed in Newcastle Municipality’s draft budget
The impact of Covid-19 on the economy means many residents may be unable to afford the proposed tariff increases which come into effect in next month.
Expecting residents and businesses to cough up even more for rates and municipal services is unfair in light of the impact Covid-19 has had on the local economy, believe opposition parties and community activists.
They argue that the high payment factor on which the budget is based is unrealistic when the global pandemic has resulted in many people either having their salaries cut, depending on UIF to survive, or not receiving any income at all.
On pages 1 and 2 of this week’s print edition of the Newcastle Advertiser (out tomorrow, June 11), is a breakdown of the increases in rates and tariffs as well as key issues raised by concerned individuals. Chairman of the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce, Dr Paul Mbele, speaks out on how the proposed increases will affect business and confides his feelings about a municipality that doesn’t communicate with its residents.
ALSO READ: Is the municipality hearing us?
DA councillor, Bertie Meiring, proposes an unconventional way to save money and avoid imposing a tariff hike on residents, that will likely stir the pot.
IFP councillor, Dr Koos Vorster, reveals how the payment factor has been steadily decreasing since the start of the lockdown.
Chairperson of the Newcastle Business and Residents Forum (NBRF), Mdu Mnisi, and chairman of the Newcastle Active Citizens Association (NACA), Solly Maharaj, share their thoughts on the budget as well as the impending increases, after both organisations have spent months in an ongoing battle with the municipality to have their concerns addressed about what they describe as a defective billing system and distorted property evaluations.
ALSO READ: Newcastle Shutdown: Could the legal route be an alternative
Despite the deadline for public submissions on the budget being next Wednesday (June 17), the Newcastle Municipality still hasn’t made the document available on its website, so the Newcastle Advertiser has made it possible for residents to view the draft budget by clicking on the link below:
Click here to view the Newcastle Municipality’s draft budget
