RATEPAYERS CHALLENGE UNFAIR WATER AND SEWAGE CHARGES

CTCRA argues water and sewage tariffs should reflect actual costs

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

THE City of Cape Town Collective Ratepayers Association (CTCRA) argues that linking fixed water, sewage, and citywide cleaning charges to property values unfairly impacts sectional title owners, leading to increases of 30% or more - double those for similar properties outside sectional title developments.

They contend that the City's rates calculator did not account for sectional titles, potentially leading to underrepresentation in public participation, and that the City did not fully consider the impact before implementing these changes.

The CTCRA is a constituted association with 40 member ratepayer associations and civic organisations.

It has filed an additional affidavit to the Western Cape High Court case which was brought via the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) which challenges the City's 2025/2026 budget.

The association maintains that fixed water and sewage charges should be linked to actual costs, not property values, and that a separate citywide cleaning charge is unlawful, advocating for its funding through property rates to ensure fairness and avoid VAT.

They believe these changes would create a fair and equitable solution as intended by the Municipal Systems Act.