The Democratic Alliance is fighting against unjustified tariff increases in Ga-Segonyana municipality that are riding on the back of a number of housing extensions in Kuruman.
The DA was the only political party to vehemently oppose the increases at a Special Council Meeting on Friday. The average increase in services totals 19,5%, which is outrageous and is way above the inflation projections of 5,3% for 2023/2024 as published on 3 March 2023.
Refuse removal experiences the biggest price hike at 23%. Increases for electricity, water and sanitation have meanwhile all jumped by over 18%, and property rates by 6,47%. Adjustments were also made to property valuations and anyone who wants to make objections will have their properties subjected to a re-evaluation by a closed evaluator, to be appointed by the municipality. Where is the transparency in this?
According to the municipality, the increases are the result of the high number of extensions taking place in Kuruman.
It is both unfair and irregular to make residents, who are already crippled by extensive costs of living, to further carry the cost of the municipal infrastructure required to service new land developments. Even more so, when the current bulk infrastructure is already collapsing and unable to sustain further development. This was admitted by the Municipal Manager himself, during a well-publicized television interview recently.
For the sake of the local economy, Kuruman cannot afford to chase away more businesses and scare investors. Already there has been a mass exodus from the town due to infrastructure shortfalls, growing rubbish dumps all over town, and a dangerous increase in crime.
The DA has launched a petition to fight against the tariff increases and to fight for the economic survival of Ga-Segonyana. We are appealing to residents of Kuruman, Wrenchville, Mothibistad and Bankhara to join us in opposing Ga-Segonyana’s absurd tariff increases.
Unlike the other political parties in council who remain silent, the DA does care and is fighting for the best interests of all community members.