Residents up in arms over eThekwini metropolitan municipality rates blunder. Picture: File/Fotor.
Outrage over eThekwini metropolitan municipality rates blunder
Residents are up in arms after a hefty increase to eThekwini metropolitan municipality rates over ‘erroneous’ water rebates. Here’s more …
Residents up in arms over eThekwini metropolitan municipality rates blunder. Picture: File/Fotor.
In what appears to be an eThekwini metropolitan municipality rates blunder, residents are out of pocket and fuming, reports TimesLive.
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Back in 2020, the eThekwini metropolitan municipality provided six kilolitres of free water per day to ratepayers. Many believe this was done in error by the municipality. And now residents owe the city for three years’ worth of unsolicited water.
ETHEKWINI METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY RATES
Only now is the full extent of the ‘backdated’ eThekwini municipality rates blunder becoming clear. Some Durban residents have reported hefty increases in their bills, as the city implements ‘manual adjustments’ to reverse the water rebates.
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TimesLive reports that ratepayers’ groups have been fielding numerous complaints. One resident saw an extra R6 000 charge for water in November. However, it’s understood that the water rebate was only supposed to be applied to properties valued below R250 000. Even though owners never asked for it.
MUNICIPALITY INEFFICIENCY
Therefore, many affected people are getting disconnected due to unpaid water bills. For example, one Durban pensioner saw his bill leap from R400 to R4 000 in one month, while another received a R22 000 bill. Additionally, many have debit orders and cannot control how much money goes off each month.
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In response to the blunder, many ratepayers’ associations are seeking legal advice. Durban Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, has said they will address the issue on a case-by-case basis. Nevertheless, be sure to check your next utility bill to make sure everything is above board.
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