Metro spokesperson Lebogang Ramashala said it is merely a ring-fenced portion of the refuse removal tariff and was introduced with the new tariff schedule implemented from July 1, 2013.
“The only error was to charge it separately,” said Ramashala.
She added that residents’ accounts won’t be credited, as the amount was meant to be included in the refuse removal charge as part of the 15 per cent increase which came into effect in July, last year.
Ramashala said the area cleansing levy is charged to all property owners to cover a portion of the cost of non-income generating services rendered by council, such as operating costs of mini waste disposal sites, litter picking and removal of illegally dumped refuse.
The metro said the fixed monthly levy amounts to R5.70, per registered property within the boundaries of the metro, thus, R5 plus value added tax of 70 cents – and is payable from date of deeds registration.
