Alex property rates meeting called off

06 February 2017

 

The Property Rates Policy review meeting scheduled to take place at East Bank Hall in Alexandra, Region E, on Saturday February 4 was called off due to a poor turnout.

 

The meeting is now expected to be held on a date and time still to be determined following discussions between Proportional Representation Councillor Phumzile Sithole and City of Johannesburg’s Property Rates Policy Specialist in the Group Finance Department, Phumza Jack, shortly after Saturday's gathering was called off.

The low turnout was partly attributed to the confusion emanating from the SMSes sent to residents. Some of the residents are believed to have received SMSes notifying them that the meeting would start at 6pm, while others said they were informed it would start at 10am.

It is not clear who disseminated information that the meeting would start at 6pm as the City had stated in its SMSes that it would commence at 10am.

Further discussions on the possible rescheduling of the meeting will take place on Monday February 6.

Cllr Sithole emphasised that it was crucial that the meeting was rescheduled as there were many burning issues regarding property rates that needed to be ironed out.

Jack said she would consult her superiors and inform Cllr Sithole about the developments.

Several Property Rates Policy review meetings have been held throughout the City’s seven regions since Saturday January 28. The last will be held at the Roodepoort Civic Centre on Monday February 13.

At these gatherings, residents and other interested parties are given the opportunity to contribute to the review of the current property rates.

The process ensures that residents’ voices are heard so the rates policy could remain sustainable and the related tariffs are equitable and affordable.

The City reviews its Property Rates Policy on an annual basis to determine categories of properties to be rated according to a proposed tariff. The due date for comments, inputs and submissions is 21 February 2017.

The second phase of the consultation process will take place in April and May, during which the new proposals – with feedback incorporated – will be presented and finalised.