We hear you loud and clear
03 March 2016
Each and every suggestion and input made by residents, businesses and property owners during the Rates and Taxes Policy meetings currently taking place across Johannesburg will be taken into consideration and assessed on their financial viability.
This assurance was given by Velly Hlophe, the City of Johannesburg’s Deputy Director of Policy and Revenue Enhancement, during a Rates and Taxes Policy meeting at Marks Park in Emmarentia on Wednesday night, 2 March 2016.
“We’ve almost covered two-thirds of Johannesburg and at all our meetings we ensure that all voices are heard and that all the inputs are added to the considerations already received,” said Hlophe.
“Your comments and inputs are extremely valuable in reviewing the current Rates and Taxes Policy and in the crafting of the 2016-2017 Rates and Taxes Policy. Each input is assessed on its financial viability and if feasible is sent through the motivation processes. We are committed to ensuring that the policy remains sustainable and the related tariffs are equitable and affordable. This annual process gathers and takes into consideration inputs and opinions of residents throughout the city.”
He invited residents, interested parties and other stakeholders to submit their comments and inputs before 15 March 2016.
Residents who attended the meeting expressed their frustrations with the City’s Revenue & Customer Relationships Management Department and with service delivery shortfalls.
Avera Marx of Emmarentia said she was angry that issues and rates-related problems took a long time to be addressed.
“Who do we contact to get some assistance? It has taken two years to remedy the issues I have with my billing and rates and it’s still an issue,” she said.
Linden resident Willem van der Merwe expressed frustration with the lack of service delivery in his area, adding that City personnel at the Randburg Walk-in Centre were not helpful.
“As a ratepayer I’m a client of the City. I’m happy to pay my rates but I expect a service for which I am paying. Trying to get assistance to sort out municipal billing, rates and taxes issues from the Randburg Walk-in Centre is impossible. Jorissen Street is the same,” he said.
Other round-one meetings have already taken place in Bramfischerville, Orange Farm, Ennerdale, Midrand, Lenasia, Protea Glen and Hillbrow. The 2015-2016 Rates Policy is currently available to review on the City’s website. Comments can be submitted in writing before 15 March 2016 by fax to 086 447 7567 or via email to ratescomment@joburg.org.za; pumzaj@joburg.org.za or tandisizwes@joburg.org.za
The second phase of meetings for the Proposed Rates Policy and Tariffs will be held in April 2016.