45 ratepayer associations call on CoCT to mitigate proposed municipal tariff hikes

CAPE TOWN - A collective of 45 Ratepayers Associations is calling on the City of Cape Town (CoCT) to create additional revenues to mitigate proposed municipal tariff increases.

The proposed tariff structure, which is set to be implemented on 1 July, could see ratepayers forking out up to 40% more for municipal bills.

Homeowners face paying fixed charges for water, sanitation, and a new city-wide cleaning tariff, all based on property value.

The Cape Town Collective Ratepayers Association (CTCRA) has garnered more than 10,000 signatures from homeowners across the metro to petition against the city's proposed rate increases.

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CTCRA spokesperson, Bas Zuidberg, said the collection is calling on the city to offer ratepayers more relief.

"Besides budget cuts, we also need to look at additional revenue, such as a tourist tax that can make sure the burden on homeowners is lightened." 

Zuidberg said the collective believes rates and charges should not be based on property value.

"Secondly, to return to the fixed charges as they were in previous years without the link to property values, since the Municipal Systems Act requires charges to be fair and in proportion to usage of the service."    

The city said measures to reduce the tariff increases will be considered at a council meeting on 29 May.