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The DA in eThekwini rejects the imposition of an additional electricity infrastructure levy regardless of whether residents are using electricity or not.

The item was tabled yesterday during a Full Council meeting under the Electricity Reform Strategy.

The strategy which was a desperate attempt to get funding from National Treasury of just over R1 billion that was due yesterday.

It was from the outset clear that the document, albeit possibly receiving extensive prior planning, was towards the end nothing more than a slap-bang exercise lacking in many aspects, not least clear lines of reporting or by including the person specific designations.

A clear indication that our municipality has the potential and can be salvaged but has been let down by giving jobs and opportunities to those that are politically affiliated instead of people that are fit for purpose.

An attempt by the DA to remove the proposed levy by virtue of an amendment was overruled.

While the DA understands the need to get funding for the rehabilitation of electricity infrastructure, we cannot accept and agree on an item that would later be a burden and at an extra cost to already burdened customers.

It would seem the municipality wants to punish residents that are paying for their rates. They have continuously failed to come up with a strategy that would help collect the over R30 billion uncollected debt . They have now placed their incompetence at the hands of ratepayers.

The DA cannot and will not support further burden on its residents against the backdrop of substandard service delivery.

Issued by Councillor Thabani Mthethwa - DA eThekwini Caucus Leader