AfriForum, a civil rights organization, has filed a review application at the Bloemfontein High Court against the Mangaung municipality's new waste removal and sewage tariff structures. The application aims to set aside the new tariffs, which AfriForum claims are unconstitutional and do not meet the applicable legal requirements. The tariffs are based on the size of the property for waste removal and the value of the property for sewage.
The new tariffs have sparked controversy, with AfriForum arguing that they are not based on the cost of service delivery or the nature of the service. The organization claims that residents should not be subjected to tariff structures that are not grounded in legal principles. AfriForum also points out that the Mangaung metro has failed to provide sustainable and efficient waste removal services to residents, making it unacceptable to impose new financial burdens.
According to Jaco Grobbelaar, AfriForum's regional head for the central region, the metro's failure to deliver basic services such as waste removal is a significant concern. Grobbelaar notes that AfriForum and private contractors are already providing waste removal services because the metro is not fulfilling its responsibilities. Residents are tired of paying for services they do not receive, and the question arises whether the tariffs are being used to improve services or simply to raise revenue.
AfriForum emphasizes that municipal tariffs should not be treated as an unlimited source of income. Tariffs must be levied within the framework of the Constitution and applicable legislation, while respecting residents' right to accountable and efficient municipal service delivery. The organization will continue with the court process and hold the Mangaung metro accountable for the legality of the disputed tariffs.
Grobbelaar stresses that AfriForum will not allow residents to be forced to pay increasingly more for services that the municipality does not provide properly. The organization's approach to tariff determination is in line with the Constitution, the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, the Local Government: Municipal Property Rates Act 6 of 2004, and the Municipal Fiscal Powers and Functions Act 12 of 2007.
The disputed tariffs have been implemented despite concerns from residents and AfriForum. The organization has delivered a waste removal drum to the Mangaung metro's office, highlighting the need for sustainable and efficient waste removal services. The court process is expected to continue, with AfriForum seeking to ensure that residents are not unfairly burdened with tariffs that are not based on sound principles.
The outcome of the court case will have significant implications for residents and the Mangaung metro. If the court rules in favor of AfriForum, the municipality may be required to revisit its tariff structures and ensure that they are based on sound principles and the cost of service delivery. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that residents receive efficient and sustainable services while being treated fairly in terms of tariff payments.
Key points
- AfriForum challenges Mangaung metro's new waste and sewage tariffs in court
- Tariffs are based on property size and value, sparking controversy
- Court process aims to ensure fair and sustainable municipal service delivery
