City's draft budget raises public concern over fixed charges

WHILE the City of Cape Town's draft budget for the new financial year, starting July 1, seeks to invest in hope, some have taken issue with how it plans to do that namely the introduction of fixed charges.

- THEOLIN TEMBO

The budget, which was tabled at last month's Council meeting, and is now open for public comment and seeks to prioritise cleaner vleis, resilient coastline, and upgrade public places.

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the "Invested in Hope Budget" considers the implications of climate change, population growth, in-migration, surge in informality, and the escalating need for indigent support and financial sustainability of City budgets.

GOOD councillor, Anton Louw, said that the draft budget signals a sharp increase in costs for many residents, "despite the city's attempts to downplay the increases". Louw highlighted that in the 2022/23 financial year, NERSA approved a 7.4% tariff increase, but Cape Town implemented a 9.6% increase.

"In the 2023/24 financial year, NERSA approved a 15.1% increase, but the City implemented a 17.6% tariff hike on top of its hiked price from the previous year. This issue is still playing out in court, with the residents paying the City's legal fees.