The eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association has slammed the city's double digit tariff increases for basic services such as water and electricity.

On Monday, Mayor Cyril Xaba tabled the R71.3bn budget — with operating costs of R62.4bn and R7.1bn in capital — during a full council meeting at Durban’s International Convention Centre.

Xaba referred to the budget as the infrastructure building and service delivery budget.

"It is firmly focused on service delivery, rehabilitation, and replacement of infrastructure as well as economic development.

We strongly believe that investing in infrastructure is essential for achieving a sustainable economic recovery and inclusive growth.

"The recurring floods have caused extensive damage to our electricity, water and sanitation infrastructure. This has adversely affected the provision of basic services, resulting in increased water and electricity losses and decreasing sales. Furthermore, we are facing rapid urbanisation which continues to place new demands on our infrastructure," said Xaba.

The proposed budget tariff increases for the 2025/26 financial year are:

* 12.72% for Electricity;

*15% and 16% for water in households and businesses respectively;

*13% and 14% for domestic and business sanitation;

* 9.9% and 9% for domestic and business refuse collection; and

* 6.5% for property rates.

If approved, the tariff increases would come into effect on July 1.

Ish Prahladh, President of eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association, said they strongly object to the increases.

"There is so much wasteful expenditure, like the R2.8 million to rebrand the municipality's logo. Municipal expenditure needs to be curtailed. The municipality needs to scrutinise how money is being spent.

"As a body representing our residents and ratepayers, we are not going to accept such hikes. With the high unemployment rate, how are people going to afford to pay for basic services? The city must first stop the illegal connections and see how much they will save. They are currently giving in to people who are holding the city and country hostage through their protests," said Prahladh.

The council approved the commencement of an extensive public participation process for the proposed 2025/26 and 2026/27 Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF).

According to a statement from the eThekwini Municipality, the public is encouraged to participate in the public participation process for the draft budget and proposed tariff adjustments which will begin soon.

"Acknowledging the urgent need to revitalise aging infrastructure, particularly in electricity, roads, and water, the Municipality has proposed essential tariff adjustments. These adjustments are well calculated to ensure both cost-effectiveness and affordability for residents and businesses.

"These adjustments are essential for ensuring the sustainable delivery of essential services and the long-term viability of Municipal infrastructure," read the statement.

Thabani Mthethwa, the DA's eThekwini caucus leader, rejected the proposed tariff hikes saying it will place a significant financial strain on residents and businesses who are already facing economic challenges.

"These hikes will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of our community and place undue pressure on businesses that are already struggling to stay afloat.

"We believe that the ANC-led coalition is failing to consider the real impact of these increases on the people of eThekwini.

"The DA encourages all eThekwini residents to actively participate in the upcoming public consultations on the budget and raise their objections to ensure that their voices are heard and that their concerns are taken seriously," said Mthethwa.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE