I am writing to express my deep unhappiness with the recent increases in municipal tariffs, which have placed an unbearable burden on pensioners like myself.
I have lived in my home for over 30 years, contributing to the community and faithfully paying all rates and taxes.
But now, in my retirement years, I find myself struggling to keep up with the ever-rising costs of basic municipal services.
The increases linked to property values are simply unaffordable on a fixed pension income. The value of my home increased exponentially over the last few years, as was the case for all home owners in Cape Town, forcing me into a bracket where my municipal bill will increase by nearly 20%.
It feels as though those of us who have spent our lives building this city are now being punished for staying in the homes we worked so hard to pay off. There seems to be little consideration for pensioners who, without any means to increase their income, are being squeezed beyond their limits.
I urge the municipality to review these tariff hikes and consider relief measures for senior citizens. Our dignity and ability to live securely in our own homes should not be eroded by the very city we helped shape.
Jo Roberts, Brackenfell
