The City of Joburg recently tabled its ‘Property Rates Policy’ bylaws and tariffs for the 2017/2018 financial year, which commences in July and the public is invited share their input.
The City’s spokesperson, Kgamanyane Maphologela said, “Following the tabling of the new property rates policy in council, the City wishes to invite the residents to view the draft policy and the tariffs and make their suggestions or objections. Any person who desires to object to the amendments to rates policy, rates bylaws and rates tariffs is invited to submit written comments or submissions on amendments and must lodge such objections in writing.”
Once the rates policy, rates bylaws and tariffs are tabled in council, they become part of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) process, where residents across the City can further give their inputs.
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In March the council tabled the proposed rates policy, tariffs, IDP and the medium-term budget. Residents are also encouraged to attend the IDP process citywide, where they would make their submissions. The city proposes an average property rates tariff to be set at 6.2 per cent, which is within the inflation rate. Water and sanitation tariff will increase by an average of 12.2 per cent, electricity will increase by 2.28 per cent, while refuse removal will increase by 6.1 per cent.
“We heard the voices of the customers through the submissions they made during the public meetings. While we consider the tariffs in the context of being cost-reflective to ensure sustainability of the city, we have taken into account increased internal efficiencies and passed this benefit onto consumers by providing further relief in the final tariffs proposed,” said Maphologela.
The closing date for submissions or comments on the policy and objections to the tariffs should be received no later than 7 May and can be sent to ratescomments@joburg.org.za
The copies of the draft rates policy and tariffs can be viewed on the City of Joburg’s website: www.joburg.org.za or at the regional office for Region E on the corner of West Street and Rivonia Road, Sandton.
What are your thoughts on the new rates policy. Tell us on WhatsApp on 079 439 5345.
