R200 flat rate is an insult: Tsokolibane
VANDERBIJLPARK.- “What about a paying campaign?” This question was asked by Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Speaker Maipato Tsokolibane when informed that community members have requested that the municipality look into scrapping arreas on their rates and taxes and have a flat rate system implemented where they would pay R200 a month.
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Tsokolibane said that everyone seems to be having a ‘political party’ these days, referring to organisations such as the Vaal Concerned Residents (VCR) who are appealing to the municipality for a flat rate. The VCR members and the community held a meeting recently at Katleho-Impumelelo Secondary School in Zone 11, Sebokeng recently where amongst other things, this was discussed. Tsokolibane said that the community should focus on taking action in paying their rates and taxes. She said that a flat rate proposal of R200 made by the community was an insult to the municipality.
Tsokolibane said people should consider a sum ranging from R800 to/or R1000 and that even this would be too little. She said the community that is guilty of not paying for services resides mainly in townships.
Tsokolibane’s appeal to the community is to think on how best they could boost the sinking ELM.
“Just as good as the local government tried to render good services but as long as the community are not coming to the party nothing will change.”