Service delivery takes centre stage at property rates indaba

14 February 2017

 

Service delivery issues dominated a City of Johannesburg Property Rates Policy review meeting at the Roodepoort City Hall in Region C last night.

 

The meeting was the last in a series of 21 public engagement sessions aimed giving residents the opportunity to comment on the current property rates with a view to ensuring that the tariffs are equitable and affordable.

At last night’s meeting, property owners complained about a wide range of issues - from incorrect billing to the mushrooming of informal settlements and slums in the region.

Witpoortjie resident Johannes Radikanyana said his main gripe concerned private contractors hired by the City.
“Why is it that the City hires private contractors to come and switch off your water? When you inquire why they are doing this, they tell us they have been sent by the City,” said Radikanyana.

Property owner Modified Shabane wanted to be provided with information on the number of unproclaimed residential buildings in the city.

“How many unproclaimed residential areas do we have? I have a feeling there is quite a lot that have not been proclaimed,” said Shabane.

Celeste van Rensburg of Davidsonville said she was deeply concerned about the escalation of informal settlements and slums in her suburb.

“I would like know how property valuation works, especially when you have squatters on the property next to your house. Say I have a property that is of much higher value than my neighbour’s who has these squatters. How will this impact on the value of my property,” said Van Rensburg.

In response, the City’s Deputy Director of Policy and Revenue Enhancement, Veli Hlophe, said all issues raised by property owners would be addressed.

“When we held these meetings in all the regions, we had councillors who would deal with these service delivery issues. As a department, I wish to say we do not determine the price increase of water and electricity. On valuation, each and every area is valued accordingly.

“In April there will be a second round of public consultation meetings,” he said.

Comments can be submitted in writing to fax number 086 447 7567 or toratescomments@joburg.org.za, ratescomments@joburg.org.za and pumzaj@joburg.org.za before Tuesday February 21.