The Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce says it is prepared to fight the upcoming 15 percent electricity increase in court, if necessary.
THE NORTHERN Cape Chamber of Commerce (Nocci) said it was prepared to fight the upcoming 15 percent electricity increase in court, if necessary.
A community meeting will be held on Sunday at the Pick n Pay circle in Galeshewe, starting at 4pm, to discuss the electricity increases that will be implemented from July 1.
Boyce Makodi from the Kimberley Action Group said that over 10,000 residents would also be liable to pay an additional basic and capacity charge of around R225.80 per month.
He added that the organisation rejected the increases as there had not been adequate consultation regarding the electricity tariffs.
Nocci CEO Sharon Steyn called for the tariff increases to be placed in abeyance until proper processes were followed.
“Nocci is against the new tariffs. There was no public participation and there is a big need for residents and business to discuss this as a collective to keep the city alive.
“The new rates will force businesses to close their doors, resulting in job losses, or lay off staff. Half of the time there is no electricity due to load shedding, while ratepayers have to pay through their teeth.
“If needs be, we are prepared to go to court to stop the increases because in these tough economic times, no one will be able to afford it.”
She added that a meeting was held last week where only two businesses attended.
“Notice of the meeting was given the day before. We need to work together and find a solution, it is unacceptable to unilaterally implement decisions. We are still waiting for the proposals while the decision has already been pushed through.”
