Relief for Jozi people who have fallen on hard times

27 January 2017

 

Unemployed people or those that were struggling financially could apply for a rebate under the Extended Social Package, known as Siyasizana (We Help One Another), a Property Rates Policy meeting at the Ennerdale Civic Centre in Region G, south of Johannesburg, heard on Thursday January 26.

 

However, to qualify for a 100% rebate, the value of the people’s property must not exceed R450 000, Veli Hlophe, Head of the City of Johannesburg’s Property Rates Division, told the packed hall.

He was responding to a resident who, during a question-and-answer session, wanted to know if there were any interventions, as far rates payments were concerned, in instances where both partners in a household were unemployed.

Hlophe said the package was renewable every six months because it was “assumed” that one could find employment during this time.

The package – which covers services such as water, sanitation and refuse removal – could be applied for at any regional office.

Residents who had retired could also apply for rebates on condition they declared their income – including state grants, investments and savings – and their property value did not exceed R2-million and they were over the age of 60.

The meeting was one of 21 being rolled out citywide to give residents the opportunity and platform to air their views on the current rates ahead of their possible adjustment in the next few months. The City reviews its Property Rates Policy on an annual basis.

A detailed presentation was given on how the City applied determines new rates. The presentation covered topics such as the rates policy review process, legislative background, the context for the review of the rates policy and proposed changes in draft rates policy.

A number of residents complained about billing issues, including inaccuracies and unexplained amounts.

“You get a statement that has a figure that you clearly dispute. When you visit municipal he offices you are told it is an estimate. How can it be an estimate when you are supposed to be billed correctly?

“From last year, I’ve been owing R11 000. Now R1 000 is deducted from my account to pay this bill,” said a middle-aged woman, one of several residents who stood up to complain about the billing.

Several revenue officials took notes as the residents made their inputs.

Lloyd Lawrence, the City’s Manager of Revenue Enhancement, said officials had a duty to listen to people.

“When you change policy you have to consult. What we have seen here is that people are interested in services. Residents do not understand the difference between rates and services. Our communities have to be educated on this,” said Lawrence.

Two property rates meeting will be held on Saturday January 28. One will be held at Protea Glen Library in Soweto at 10am and the other at Bramfischerville Multipurpose Centre at 2pm.

The due date for all comments, inputs and submissions is 21 February 2017. Residents can make comments on the current policy on ratescomments@joburg.org.za.