After the new property rates policy was approved in council, the City of Johannesburg invited residents to comment on the draft version before 7 May.
The policy will kick in on 1 July, along with the new budget.
City spokesperson, Kgamanyane Maphologela, said that anyone who wants to object to the amendments to the policy, bylaws and tariffs is invited to submit written comments.
Public consultation meetings were held across the City in January and many questions were asked about who qualifies for rebates.
Read: Who qualifies for rebates?
Maphologela said submissions made during these meetings also focused on affordability and the protection of vulnerable categories.
Also read: Proposed changes to rates policy meeting
The second phase of the rates consultations, which has now started, will finally culminate in the integrated development plan. This is a five-year-plan for the City and its projects.
“We heard the voices of the customers through the submissions they made during the public meetings we held. While we consider tariffs in the context of being cost-reflective to ensure sustainability of the City, we have … passed this benefit on to consumers by providing further relief in the final tariffs proposed,” says Maphologela.
The City proposes an average property rates tariff to be set at 6,2 per cent.
The water and sanitation, electricity and refuse removal tariffs are set to increase by 12.2 per cent, 2,28 per cent, and 6,1 per cent respectively.
Once the new financial year starts in July, the City will also only provide free water to indigent households, breaking away from the norm of 6 kilolitres free water a month to every household.
Comments and submissions can be sent to ratescomments@joburg.org.za; pumzaj@joburg.org.za; tandisizwes@joburg.org.za or fax 0864477567.
The copies of the draft Rates Policy, Tariffs, IDP and Medium-Term Budget can be viewed on the City’s website www.joburg.org.za or at your closest regional office.
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