Brenda Mahuma, Executive Mayor of the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) said despite the municipality being marred by service-delivery issues, residents are still obligated to pay their rates and taxes.
In an exclusive interview with the Herald, the Mayor acknowledged that many residents were not happy with services, but said simply ignoring municipal bills won’t solve the problem.
Mahuma, who also thanked those who pay their municipal bills, said the non-payers were running the risk of demoralising everyone, which in turn will bankrupt the municipality if everyone opts not to pay.
People need to know that the municipality is only able to continue providing services to its people if services are paid for consistently,” Mahuma said.
She said there can’t be a situation that only a segment of the population pays for services, while another group doesn’t pay.
“It is unfair and unjust; we need to work together so that our institution can sustain itself,” Mahuma said.
