Residents of Region F urged the City of Joburg to clamp down on illegal spaza shops, unauthorised structures and derelict buildings.
Residents stated that these have an adverse effect on the value of properties.
Concerns were raised at a 2020/21 property rates review policy consultation meeting on February 19.
“What are the policies in terms of opening scrapyard businesses and erecting backrooms?” asked one resident.
Another property owner said “we only see the draft of the rates policy in April, and there is no public consultation on the draft”.
Lloyd Lawrence, CoJ’s manager for revenue enhancement, said residents’ concerns will be considered during the finalisation of the rates policy.
Lawrence reminded residents that their submissions must be made by March 11.
He told residents that the City levies different rates for different categories of rateable property based on zoning.
“The value of one’s property determines the rates to be paid.
“The City does not levy a rate on the first part of the value up to R350 000 of the market value as per the Valuation Roll, however, this only applies to residential properties,” he said.
CoJ conducts a review of its rates policy annually.
The review of the municipal rates policy happens in two phases and involves members of the public.
The first phase is when the City requests input from stakeholders and creates a draft policy that is tabled before council for approval.
The second phase begins in April and forms part of the public consultation for the IDP, budget and tariffs.
The 2019/20 rates policy is available at www.joburg.org.za
Written submissions must be sent to RatesComments@joburg.org.za
