Port Alfred Ratepayers’ and Resident’s Association (PARRA) held its AGM in May which was very well attended by residents from all parts of Port Alfred. PARRA serves as the link between local government, other community groups and the property owners and residents in Port Alfred. It is a non-political organisation, we believe in working with, not against, but we must hold our Municipality accountable for their onerous responsibilities in our town.
We have faced many challenges over the last six months, namely electricity and solar charges, water, sewage, the IDP, the Budget and the proposal from the Delimitation Board to mover 500 voters from Ward 10 to Ward 8.
Last year PARRA laid a dispute with the Municipality over the extortionate electricity tariffs they have imposed on the Residents. NERSA announced an increase of 12.7% for electricity in 2025/6, well below what Eskom was asking for, but we do not know at present what percentage the Municipality will add to that rate and indeed whether NERSA will approve that application. That decision must come by June 30th Discussions regarding Capacity Charges continue and following the release of the Municipality’s Tarriff Policy dated 2024/25, PARRA continues to challenge them with regard to the SSEG charges and smart meters.
The sewerage works carried out by a contractor appointed by the Municipality has severely disrupted many residents in East and West Bank. Ann Edwards, a PARRA committee member, has been very active in keeping all PARRA members informed and liaising on behalf of PARRA with the contractor and the Municipality. Ren Mouton, chair of PARRA, formally lodged a letter of complaint to the Director of Infrastructure, Dr Vithi-Masiza, regarding the unacceptable conduct of the appointed contractor. This included the verbal abuse, blatant disregard for public safety leaving deep trenches open overnight, no flashing warning lights to warn pedestrians etc. This letter did galvanise some activity by the Mayor who visited the scene and promised to investigate and report back. This is an on-going activity and hopefully as a result of the dialogue between PARRA and the Municipality, the way forward will be a lot less disruptive and confrontational. However, we will continue to ensure the contractor and the Municipality makes good the damage done to all the roads in the area as well as carry out repairs to property damaged during the works.
Residents in all parts of Port Alfred have also been severely affected by the lack of water over the past few weeks and when it has been restored, the smell and colour has been very unpleasant! The majority of the problems are as a result of the lack of maintenance over many years with pumps breaking down and leaks remaining unrepaired, as well as general decaying of infrastructure. Whilst the mayor has sent out several notices in the past week, this has done little to dispel the unhappiness and anger of many residents.
Several PARRA members attended the Ward 10 IDP meeting, hosted by the Councillors, to hear the IDP Manager, Rene Uren outline the preparation of the IDP and the whys and wherefores contained therein. We were advised the IDP formed the basis for the budget but as the draft Budget has already been agreed it became obvious that the two documents bore absolutely no relation to each other.
PARRA is continuing the challenge the Municipality Budget on various issues, including the debt write off, catering and food provisions for Municipality staff, casual labour, bonuses and consultant fees, and large amounts of social spending which PARRA believe is not the ratepayers’ responsibility and should be funded by National and Provincial governments, casual labour, bonuses and consultant fees.
If you would like further information about PARRA, or become a member, please go to the website: www.parra.org.za. As a member you will receive regular updates on issues pertaining to our town and its residents and we also have a WhatsApp group where important announcements are sent out on a day-by-day basis
23/06/25