The FF Plus submitted a motion to the Speaker of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Council, Ms Eugene Johnson, to revoke the monthly basic power charge for small business enterprises in the Metro.
The motion follows the implementation on 15 July of a basic monthly power charge of R334,12 applicable to small business enterprises using prepaid power.
The FF Plus is strongly opposed to the power charge and is of the opinion that it puts an unfair financial burden on small businesses, which are already under immense financial pressure.
Small business enterprises play a key role in the local economy, particularly as regards job creation. This charge threatens their viability and survival.
Owners of such businesses will most probably have to reconsider their staffing and operational costs, which could lead to job losses and downscaling in general.
The power network’s current instability is already creating serious challenges for small businesses that are often forced to procure generators for times of load reduction.
Adding this charge to these challenges is not only unfair, but also counterproductive for economic growth and stability.
The FF Plus believes that the Metro should rather focus on increasing its revenue stream by cracking down on defaulters.
Therefore, the party is appealing to the Metro Council to carefully reconsider the charge and the long-term impact it will have on the viability of small business enterprises and the community.
The FF Plus is not opposed to tariff hikes, but they should be fair and just, and not detrimental to vulnerable sectors.
