Residents call for fair and justifiable rates

24 February 2016

 

Residents of Lenasia and Eldorado Park in the City of Johannesburg’s Region G last night said the disproportionate amounts they were being charged for rates and taxes were unfair – and called for the introduction of a flat rate billing system.

 

Speaking during a Property Rates and Taxes Review Policy meeting at Lenasia Civic Centre, Eldorado Park resident Shirley Watkins said the unequal and inequitable rates and taxes applied in different areas were unjustifiable.

“You’ll find that someone living in a small house in Bushkoppies is paying more than a person living in a double storey property in Freedom Park. People have sold their homes and moved into RDP houses to avoid paying exorbitant rates and taxes,” Watkins said.

“The more you pay the more you’re charged. We end up subsidising those who don’t pay. It’s high time we paid a flat rate. We’re willing to pay but we can’t afford to pay unreasonable amounts.”

The proposal for the introduction of a flat rate billing system was first raised at a similar meeting in Protea Glen, Soweto, on Saturday. The two meetings formed part of the first round of an ongoing public consultative process aimed at giving residents the opportunity to contribute to the content of the new policy and to ensure that property rates are equitable and affordable.

The second and final round of the process will take place in April and May, during which the new proposals and feedback will be incorporated into a draft document and presented to the public for comment. Other round-one meetings have already taken place in Bramfischerville, Orange Farm and Ennerdale. A meeting scheduled for Monday in Eldorado Park could not take place because of a power outage.

At last night’s meeting, Watkins said she would be grateful if the evaluation of her property could be done in her presence.

Disabled Lenasia South pensioner Gopal Govender asked why he was charged R1 280 for rates and taxes, while his neighbours were paying R650. 
Lloyd Phiri, also of Lenasia South, proposed a flat rate of R300. Ann Singh complained that although she paid her dues on time her area was filthy.

“Ten years ago Lenasia was beautiful and clean. But now it’s dirty. It’s not what it used to be,” she bemoaned.

Velly Hlophe, the City’s Deputy Director: Policy and Enhancement, said property evaluations were conducted once every four years. He said property owners had three months to submit their objections. If they were still not satisfied they could approach an appeals board chaired by an advocate and consisting of three evaluators.

He said the City was doing its best to retain all rebates exemptions. The meeting was also attended by Regional Director Mickey Padiachee and Ward Councillor Zarina Motala.

Residents can also air their views on the current policy on the City’s website, www.joburg.org.za, at any Customer Service Centre or via email at RatesComment@Joburg.org.za, pumzaj@joburg.org.za or tandisizwe@joburg.org.za.

Residents have until 15 March 2016 to make comments.