Residents ask City to do the maths on property rates

31 January 2017

 

The criteria used to determine property rates were put in the spotlight at a Property Rates Policy meeting in Eldorado Park in the City of Johannesburg’s Region G late on Monday January 30.

 

Members of the community, many of them property owners, had assembled at the Don Mateman Hall to listen to a presentation by the City’s Property and Taxes Department officials.

Maxwell van Rensburg, a retired teacher, wanted to know about the relief available to unemployed property owners.

“We want to know how rates are determined. Many people have property but do not work. What is the council doing about this? There is also the issue of slums that are all over. What is of concern to us is that people owning these places are making money out of them. Many are foreigners,” said Van Rensburg.

Mohammed Cassim, who said he was born in Kliptown but moved to Eldorado Park as an adult, concurred.

“I want to know how the City determines rates that they charge us. This is important to understand. When you come to regional offices here in Eldos we are told the system is offline. Officials then send you to the Jorissen Street. Also, on valuation, how is it determined?” asked Cassim.

Another burning issue that was raised at the meeting was rezoning.

Jane Wilkens, in her early 50s, has lived in Eldorado Park for 16 years.

“My house has been rezoned without my knowledge. It has been turned from a residential property into a business one. I didn’t agree to that. My rates have shot through the roof. I cannot afford paying now,” said Wilkens.

This was one of 21 property rates meeting being rolled out by the City over three weeks to give residents and other interested parties the opportunity to contribute to the review of the current rates.

This 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.

In response to issues that had been raised, Lloyd Lawrence, a Manager in the Property Rates and Taxes Department, gave a demonstration of how property rates were determined.

Lawrence spoke briefly about the Extended Social Programme for those who were unemployed. The due date for all comments, inputs and submissions is 21 February 2017. Residents can send them to ratescomments@joburg.org.za