City residents reject Eskom’s 35% tariff hike

By Ofentse Mokae
09 December 2009

The proposed 35% hike in electricity tariffs was met with bitterness by the Lotus River, Ottery Grassy Park ratepayers and Resident’s Association at its general meeting on Monday.

Community members called upon the authorities to explain why such a high increase is needed in the light of the already high electricity tariff being paid.

Concern was expressed about the discounts being given to mines and others making huge profits.

Phillip Bam chairperson for the association Questions says they also asked about the fact that while the ordinary ratepayers and residents have to suffer outages, the big profit makers are spared such inconvenience.

It was reported that there are many elderly home owners who cannot afford electricity and consequently their security is compromised.

“The meeting resolved that these issues be raised with the City of Cape Town, the energy regulator and the portfolio committee of parliament dealing with energy matters,” Bam said.

Bam says Monday’s meeting supported the initiatives of a local group decrying the vulgar posters of local tabloids as demeaning and insulting to our community.

Positive posters were hung on lamp posts and the initiative will be broadened in the New Year.

The efforts to legalise shebeens were shot down and calls were made for more effective police action against the more than 100 illegal shebeens in the area.