The City of Johannesburg has called on its residents to comment on the 2016/2017 Rates Policy review.
The city’s spokesperson, Mr Kgamanyane Maphologela, said the CoJ will consider the current economic conditions facing property owners when it embarks on this review.
The rates policy is reviewed annually.
Mr Maphologela said the policy defines and categorises all properties within the city.
“It allows the city to generate rates revenues by assigning a tariff to the property values obtained in the General Valuation Roll. This financial year we will be considering factors such as recent interest rate hikes, resultant reduction in disposable income, current high cost of living, the slowdown in economic growth, the increase in property owners depending on social assistance, and businesses requesting more relief,” he said.
He said the aim of the engagement is to have both the city and homeowners benefit.
“We are mindful that our consumers and property owners are facing difficult times. As a city we are eager to engage our residents on a policy which will be sustainable yet beneficial to all parties involved. We also need to ensure that tariffs are equitable and affordable to our residents. It is in the best interest of all property owners to get involved and help us craft the Johannesburg Rates Policy for the 2016/2017 financial year,” Mr Maphologela said.
He said residents can participate in the process by sending suggestions and recommendations to the Property Unit.
“Residents can review the current policy available on the city’s website, www.joburg.org.za, and submit their written suggestions or recommendations via email to ratescomment@joburg.org.za or by fax to 086 447 7567,” he said.
Mr Maphologela said residents in Joburg East areas can also hand in their comments at the Region F public meeting that will be held at the Hillbrow Recreational Centre on the corner of Clarendon King George and Pretoria streets in Hillbrow on Monday, February 29 from 6pm to 8pm.
Mr Maphologela said submissions have to be in by March 15.
