Mounting concern over 5% rates hike
'We have so many officials suspended on full pay as these cases drag on for over a year'
There has been a widespread backlash to the 5% rates tariff hike passed by Council. FC Bester of the Endumeni Residents Association (ERA) and Naresh Gopie of Dundee Tourism have both expressed their disappointment over the decision that accompanied the 2020/21 budget.
Mr Bester said the ERA had been contacted by many residents and business owners who said they could not even afford to pay their current rates – ‘never mind a 5% increase, plus increases in electricity (6.2%) and refuse removal (5%)’.
“I have contacted OUTA (Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse), as we want a probe at the municipality. With so many officials suspended without pay for over a year on various corruption charges, a salary bill swallowing 38% of the budget and a municipal website that has not been updated since 2016, it is clear that something is wrong.
“But instead of looking at creative ways to use the R9-million government grant received to ease the plight of hard-pressed residents because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Council chose to simply give everyone a 5% rates increase.”
See the Courier, July 10, for the full story
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