The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) strongly objected to the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro’s (NMBM) draft budget for the 2025/26 financial year due to its excessive tariff increases that will place residents under further financial strain.
The proposed tariff hikes include:
• 5% for assessment rates
• 5,5% for water and sanitation
• 6% for refuse removal
• 12,8% for power
It is unacceptable to implement such increases while basic service delivery has virtually ground to a halt. Illegal electricity connections, water leakages and inadequate refuse removal have become customary.
Due to the Metro’s failure to fulfil its duties, the party has had to step in and assist with repairing potholes and installing solar lights in certain areas plagued by crime.
The NMBM should combat corruption, cancel illegal contracts and manage existing resources effectively instead of overtaxing residents.
The Freedom Front Plus cannot support a budget that is not in the best interest of NMBM residents.
It is time for the NMBM to start earning the money residents pay for services instead of taking it for granted.
