Msunduzi residents slam draft budget

RESIDENTS and ratepayers have criticised the draft budget tabled by the Msunduzi Municipality as unaffordable.

- THAMI MAGUBANE

The Msunduzi Association of Residents Ratepayers and Civics (MARRC) described the draft budget, which details the tariffs for the 2025-2026 financial year, as unrealistic. Last week, the Msunduzi Council approved the draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and the proposed R9.5 billion budget. The budget is now out for public comment.

The councillors in the city said the increases are only projected figures until the final approval of the budget in May.

They said the proposed tariffs will be 2% for property rates and between 7% and 15% for electricity, water, refuse collection and sanitation." Anthony Waldhausen, of MARRC, said, "MARRC opposes the draft 20252026 budget as the draft tariff increases are unaffordable and unrealistic. We submitted our objections to the rates and tariff increases and urged the municipality to collect revenue equitably, focusing on collecting revenue from 70% of those who can pay but are not paying for municipal services.