Residents given platform to air views on rates

24 January 2017

 

The City of Johannesburg is rolling out a series of Property Rates Policy meetings throughout its seven regions where residents and other interested parties will have 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. The due date for all comments, inputs and submissions is 21 February 2017.

The meetings, which started in Dlamini and Orlando East in Soweto, in Region D, on Saturday January 21, will be wrapped up at the Roodepoort City Hall on 13 February 2017. A total of 21 meetings will be held citywide over three weeks.

This week the meetings will be held at the Mondeor Recreation Centre in Mondeor in Region F on Tuesday January 24 (6pm-8pm); Diepsloot Youth Hall in Diepsloot in Region A on Wednesday January 25 (6pm-8pm); Eureka House in Wemmer Pan in Region F on Wednesday January 25 (6pm-8pm); Ivory Park North Hall in Ivory Park in Region A on Thursday January 26 (6pm-8pm); Ennerdale Civic Centre in Ennerdale in Region G on Thursday January 26 (6pm-8pm); Protea Glen Library in Soweto in Region D on Saturday January 28 (10am-noon); and Bramfischerville Multipurpose Centre in Soweto in Region C on Saturday January 28 (2pm-4pm).

According to Kgamanyane Maphologela, the City’s Director of Communications: Customer Revenue, the current public consultation exercise – during which residents and ratepayers are also informed about the existing rates and comments are invited – is the first of a two-phase process.

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

Maphologela said the City was mindful of the fact that there were property owners who were struggling financially. He said the City offered social relief and created a safety net for vulnerable groups, including the poorest of the poor, pensioners and people with disabilities.

Ratepayers falling within this category are encouraged to apply for a range of subsidies on rates or rebates on electricity, water and other services. These include pensioners’ rebates and expanded social packages. Residents and ratepayers are requested to visit www.Joburg.org.za to find the 2016-2017 Rates Policy and Tariff Schedule.

Residents are requested to forward their comments in writing on or before 21 February 2017. The written submissions could either be faxed to 086 447 7567 or emailed to ratescomment@joburg.org.za.