BY STAFF REPORTER
Angry resident of Steve Tshwete municipality took to the streets demanding a reversal of the new billing system that saw municipal accounts increasing by more than very alarmingly.The situation exploded into a civil unrest as residents blockaded main roads and streets with burning tyres and stones making it impossible for trucks, busses, taxis and light-motor vehicle to move in and out of Middelburg.The national route N4 and N11 were also blocked as protesters from Rockdale, Hlalamnandi and Nasareth also joined the bandwagon.”We cannot afford to pay these rents,” said Thabo Malatsi. “My rent increased from 326 to 960 and I do not know why.”The municipality, in November last year, embarked on a data cleansing project including a door-to-door survey for water and electricity meters and also updated its indigents register before end of 2020/2021financial year. The Middelburg and Hendrina Residents Front (MHRF) has rejected the increases.”We remain resolute against the increases on rates and taxes together with the manner in which the issue of indigent was dealt with,” said MHRF spokesperson, Thato Mathunyane.”We further indicated that this unrest was caused by ANC councilors who voted for the increase amidst Covid-19, without consultation-they cannot be immune-from the cause.”He added, “The arrogance of the Mayor in making sure that Bheki khenisa does not leave our town in peace is also the cause hence he lost tremendously in his Ward nomination which is an indication that his political career has reached a cul de sac.”The Democratic Alliance (DA) appealed to council to reconsider the current billing system caused by the data cleansing of the municipal accounts. “We wish to call on council to sit and reconsider the delisting of some indigent recipients, inconsistent estimate billings from rectified accounts, leaving residents with an almost 300% increase on their accounts and the rescission of the resolution pertaining to the billing on refuse removal in some, but not all areas in the municipality,”said Johann Dyason, DA Causus leader in SteveTshwete.Steve Tshwete mouthpiece, Prudence Magutle told the paper the data cleansing project aimed at sending correct billing information to customers whilst ensuring that eligible residents are on the list of indigents.”Accuracy of customer details is required by our financial systems so that correct account details are sent to residents,” she said.”Updating the indigents list means that people must re-apply and only those who qualify, will be put back on the list.”
“In the new financial year that started in July, we adjusted our tariffs by an average 3.69% compared with the previous financial year which was 6%,” she said. “This means that the municipality has had a minimal increase on tariffs because we considered the effects of Covid-19 on the residents such as unemployment.”
