City’s property valuation process irks residents

08 February 2017

 

The City of Johannesburg’s property valuation process came under sharp criticism at a Property Rates Policy review meeting at the Jabula Recreation Centre in Sandringham, Region E, last night.

 

Ratepayers told City officials that they had for many years been slapped with incorrect billing and exorbitant rates and taxes as a result of the process.

“Our biggest problem is the valuation process that the City is using,” said Joanne Greenberg.

“For many years, residents of Sandringham have been paying an arm and a leg for rates and taxes on their properties. It has become even more difficult to sort out the problem because it takes us up to a year to solve it.”

She said another problem was the City’s new regionalised billing system. “The billing dates have been changed without the City communicating with us. The fact that this is an inconvenience for us is not even being considered,” she said.

Greenberg also said many property owners had been billed incorrectly. “This is a big financial burden on us. We are subjected to fines whenever we delay paying the rates and taxes,” she said.

Another resident, Rob Joseph, complained that his property had been incorrectly categorised by the City. He said he was paying more than he should be for the size of his property.

“Some of us here do not even know the first steps to take when arguing these kinds of cases. I have sent countless e-mails to the City but nothing has come off it as yet,” a disgruntled Joseph said.

In response, Thandisizwe Sidubulekawa, the City’s Rates Policy Specialist, said residents were within their rights to lodge their objections with the City.

“There is a process that such objections go through. Once a decision is made, complainants will be informed about the outcome of their cases. If it’s discovered that a property owner has been subjected to any discrepancy, there will be a review.

“A decision on whether the charge will be upheld or changed will then be taken by the City,” Sidubulekwa said.

He also said that property owners would be refunded should it be found that they had been incorrectly billed.

“Property owners must be aware that whenever they make any additions on their properties, they will be subjected to more rates and taxes as their properties would have accumulated more value. This is the reason properties differ in value, even if they are situated in the same place,” he said.

The meeting was one of 21 currently being rolled out citywide to give residents an opportunity to comment on the current rates so the policy could remain sustainable and the related tariffs equitable and affordable.

The last Property Rates Policy meeting will be held at the Roodepoort Civic Centre in Region C on Monday February 13. Interested parties and stakeholders have until 21 February to comments to fax number 086 447 7567 or via email to ratescomments@joburg.org.za, pumzaj@joburg.org.za