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Shocking rates looming Ratepayers to issue petition Marti Will A SHOCK awaits Matjhabeng ratepayers, irrespective of race, colour or creed, if the proposed 2014-’15 budget is pushed through council by the ruling ANC party. “This is an urgent call to arms for residents of the whole Matjhabeng to fight this evil and stop the rate escalations by signing a petition. “When signed, it will immediately be delivered to the honourable mayor,” says Evyn Thorne, president of the Matjhabeng Ratepayers’ Association (MRA). “We condemn this budget and insist that there are no increases in property rates this year. The council and the politicians are totally out of touch with reality. We regard this budget as completely uneconomical,” says Thorne. “The Matjhabeng Council is implored to take a closer view of its own expenses and to cut their cloth accordingly.” The proposed budget sees rates upped by 6%, water by 4%, electricity by 7,5% and refuse removal by 5%. “The ratepayers in Matjhabeng cannot afford any of these increases,” says Thorne. The budget was revealed for public input and comment on 12 May at the first ward meetings held this year. “Service provision in Matjhabeng is at the lowest level in years and no amount of increase will bring the council back from the brink of bankruptcy. “The Matjhabeng Municipality, despite reaching an agreement to pay Eskom, still does not pay them timeously. “The current balance due to Eskom is approximately R284 million (up from R168 million in August 2013). Likewise, Sedibeng Water is owed in excess of R500 million. Will the threatened Eskom switch-off happen this winter? “Hikes in service fees will result in increased unemployment and suffering for all residents and businesses in the area. Many residents of Matjhabeng work in the Rustenberg mines. The industrial action
Bureaucrats and politici ans with huge salaries and fringe benefits are the only residents that can keep up with rising costs.’ – Evyn Thorne (president of MRA) and strikes there directly affect the ability of these people to meet their obligations,” says Thorne. “Petrol and food prices have escalated disproportionally and many Matjhabeng families are battling to keep their heads above water. Bureaucrats and politicians with huge salaries and fringe benefits are the only residents that can keep up with rising costs,” says Thorne. “There are more vacant buildings and shops than ever before in Matjhabeng. The proposed hikes will increase pressure on businesses and residents alike,” says Thorne. During the past 12 months several established businesses have closed their doors, including Aberdaire Cables, Meadow Feeds and Mill and Sedgars, to name only three. “The MRA wants to know why the farming community is not being levied rates and taxes. “Why is Matjhabeng’s arrears collection business sourced from Gauteng? Charity should start at home. Matjhabeng will only show recovery when the gold-mining industry improves and the municipality cuts its expenses,” he says. The petition can be viewed and signed by 23 May at the Matjhabeng Ratepayers’ Association Office, room 104, 327 Stateway. The office is open between 08:00 and 13:30 on weekdays. Enquiries may be directed to 057-352-2933.
Ready to cast their vote THIS photograph was taken on election day in front of the Flamingo Park Voting Station in Welkom. Pictured from the left are Franci Podbielski, Joani Johnson, Tina Podbielski, Frances Podbielski and André Podbielski. In front is Jesse Johnson. Read more on p 2.
Help kinderharte verbly en wen dalk ’n motor Alet van der Walt DIE sesde jaarlikse Vir Ons Kinders-projek ten bate van Engo se behoeftige kinders in die Vrystaat het reeds begin en ’n nuwe
BATTERIES
motor word vanjaar oudergewoonte weggegee. ’n Chevrolet Spark Campus van R112 400 is nou in die Pick n Pay-sentrum in Welkom te sien en vir net R20 per kaartjie
kan jy dalk met so ’n splinternuwe voertuig wegry. Die Welkom-jeugsorgsentrum vier ook vandag om 18:00 sy tiende verjaardag by die jeugsorgsentrum in Othelloweg.
Lesers wat meer omtrent die sentrum wil uitvind of wat kaartjies vir die motor wil aanskaf, kan Annatjie Weideman by 082-041-0313 bel of vir meer besonderhede die webblad www.engo.co.za besoek.
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