Public outcry in Msunduzi: residents unite against electricity and water tariff increases
Durban - Residents and opposition parties have called on the Msunduzi Municipality to review downward its proposed electricity and water tariffs following overwhelming public opposition.
More than a 1000 people reportedly attended a public meeting at the City Hall in Pietermaritzburg last week to express their opposition to the proposed tariffs.
Among the most contentious proposals is a staggering 36% increase in the electricity tariff which was outlined in the draft budget. A 15.5% hike in the water tariff was also proposed.
Opposition parties in the council said they have noted that the sentiment expressed by the public during these meetings has been overwhelmingly clear - residents are opposed to the tariff increases.
DA councillor Ross Strachan stated that Msunduzi residents have sent a loud and clear message that they will not accept the municipality’s outrageous tariff hikes.
“In a massive public gathering at City Hall, residents united to oppose the proposed 36% increase in electricity tariff and a 15.5% hike in the water tariff for the 2025/26 financial year—hikes that the DA has already rejected in council,” he said.
Strachan said the disgruntled residents voiced their frustration over the current state of the city, making it evident that their message is a desperate plea for change.
“We are calling on the municipality to not treat this gathering as a tick-box exercise but rather to consider the urgent need for change in the municipality,” said Strachan.
Msunduzi Association of Residents Ratepayers and Civics CEO Anthony Waldhausen noted that the public meetings have demonstrated the unity of residents throughout Pietermaritzburg, coming together to stand against the exorbitant rates and tariff increases proposed by the municipality.
“This was a true demonstration of People’s Power, showing that the powers that be will not accept these ridiculous and unaffordable tariff increases. Residents are actively speaking out against these increases,” he added.