By Celani Sikhakhane
eThekwini metro officials faced criticism from EFF MP Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi for allegedly overcharging ratepayers on water bills.
On Tuesday, the local government portfolio committee demanded answers about the high water bills and an insurance scheme that fails to settle citizens’ debts.
Mkhaliphi, a committee member, questioned the city’s decision to increase bills and penalise regular payers.
“How did you decide to hike water bills and impose penalties on citizens who have been paying their water bills without fail? Why is the insurance not paying on their behalf if you have discovered that you were mistakenly charging them less?” Mkhaliphi asked.
“I need answers because there’s something wrong here. This is daylight robbery of our communities here in eThekwini.”
The committee found that the city’s insurance only covers 1% of 10% of debts, leaving citizens to pay the remainder.
City officials claimed that the Auditor-General found they were undercharging households. They stated that the law allows them to penalise ratepayers to recover losses from their mistakes.
The insurance contract under scrutiny is ending soon, they added.
The committee is visiting various KwaZulu-Natal municipalities and communities for further investigations.
Pictured above: eThekwini municipality authorities came under fire from EFF MP Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi over water bill penalties.
Source: X
