Taxing parking at Sars
FERNDALE – Sars Randburg parking is still an issue.
The South African Revenue Services (Sars) in Ferndale has completed construction of client parking, yet the problem still continues. [See previous article; Sars clients cause parking havoc: https://www.citizen.co.za/randburg-sun/233823/sars-clients-cause-parking-havoc/]
The construction of the client parking commenced in August last year.
It seems that clients are still unable to use the extra parking space and are using the roads and islands along Hill Street and Kent Avenue.
One of the clients, Wayne Van Vuuren commented, ”People are parking on the island in Hill Street. This is not ideal and not 100 per cent
safe but there really is no better place to park for the customer.”
He further added, ”The cops are having a party fining people, like this morning[8 January]. I am sure people could get off the fine as there are no warnings, or indications to say no parking or you will be fined if you park here. The public need to know that. This is not fair.”
The unmarked allocated overflow parking area for their customers is on the right-hand side of Kent Avenue.
But some clients feel unsafe to be walking that distance (about 100m) with important documents.
In August last year, Sars deputy media spokesperson Marika Muller responded on this matter, ”The construction work at Sars Randburg is specifically to increase the capacity of the parking available to taxpayers. A number of parking bays have been reserved for the elderly, disabled and others with restricted mobility. There is parking available at the Randburg Mall which is in walking distance of the Sars branch. The new parking area is due for completion at the end of August.”
However, in response to the ongoing problem Muller replied, ”I am advised that something called ‘Practical Completion’ was granted on 12
December 2014. However, there are still some final technical issues that need to be concluded (compliance certificates signed off) which are relatively minor but crucial in a construction project. That work can only be done once the construction industry gets back from the ‘builder’s holiday’ next week.”
Muller commented, ”We hope that the landlord will hand the new facility over to Sars by 1 February. I will communicate with the branch in the meantime and see if they (and maybe the Council) can sort out some signage about the overflow parking.”
Details: www.sars.gov.za or Marika Muller, 012 422 6775.
