Residents have their say at rates policy meeting

15 March 2016

 

The first round of the City of Johannesburg’s 2016-2017 public consultation process on the affordability and equitability of its property rates and taxes was concluded at Cosmo City in Region C last night after more than 20 meetings were held in the various regions over the past few weeks to canvass residents’ views, ideas and opinions.

 

The second and final round of the process will take place in April and May 2016, during which time the new proposals and feedback will be incorporated into a draft document and presented to the public for comment. This will culminate in the 2016-2017 City Budget speech to be delivered by Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance Councillor Geoffrey Makhubo later in the year.

The process is held in terms of the Municipal Systems Act, which mandates the City Manager in his capacity as the accounting officer to ensure that the council has and implements a rates policy. It also seeks to ensure that all owners of rateable property are informed about their liability for rates. But more than anything, property rates policy meetings are an opportunity for residents to have an input.

Last night dozens of Cosmo City residents braved incessant rains and made their way to the Cosmo City Multipurpose Hall in Ward 100 to have their say. Some of the issues raised by residents last night ranged from the estimation of bills, assets and value of properties, and how to read municipal statements.

Olga Mnisi wanted to know how the 9.4% tariff hike granted Eskom by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) was going to impact on ordinary residents. She also expressed concern at how the City arrived at her monthly electricity bill as she had never seen meter readers in the area.

“How do you people know how much electricity I am consuming when you don’t come to read the meter?” she asked Victor Jansen of the City’s Revenue and Shared Services Department said in cases where there were suspected billing discrepancies revenue personnel would be “too glad to assist”.

He, however, added that judging by many of the questions it was clear there was a need for a concerted educational campaign to empower residents with the necessary knowledge about property rates and taxes.

Jansen contended that education was crucial so as to also raise the payment levels as well. He further explained that anyone with a query should visit walk-in centres in their areas where they would be given individual attention. Ward 100 Councillor Patrick Maisha thanked the residents for their attendance and promised to follow up on every complaint raised at the meeting.