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The Democratic Alliance (DA) is disappointed that, despite annual tariff increases taking effect today, Sol Plaatje has failed to effectively communicate these increases to the public.

While Nersa has yet to review or endorse the proposed Sol Plaatje electricity tariffs, Sol Plaatje residents will, as of today, cough up 4.5% more for electricity purchases. Property rates, water, sanitation and refuse removal will further increase by 4%.

The increases come at a time when not only municipal services are at an all-time low, as reflected in the state of the city’s roads, water and sewerage infrastructure, but also at a time when the pockets of the public are already stretched.

In addition, residents next week face a further fuel increase on the already exorbitant price of petrol and diesel, making life even more unaffordable.

At the very least, these residents deserve to know what awaits their bank balances when they receive their bills come the end of July.

While the basic electricity charge will now fall away for this financial year, the DA remains concerned about the high cost of Sol Plaatje’s electricity and wants it benchmarked with other municipalities.

Affordability, value-for-money and transparency, must be the driving factors in respect of all charges levied by Sol Plaatje municipality.

Issued by Heinrich Pieterse, Cllr - DA Caucus Leader, Sol Plaatje Municipality