Polokwane Municipality responds on DA’s ultimatum

Polokwane Municipality disputes the claim by the Democratic Alliance (DA) that its 2017/18 budget and tariffs were not approved in accordance with legislation and also confirmed that it has no intention to impose any new assessment rates on residential properties that are used in accordance with its by-laws.
In today’s print publication, Polokwane Observer reports that the DA threatened the municipality with legal action if resolutions passed during the recent budget meeting, are not declared invalid and remedial action being taken.
Matshidiso Mothapo, Communications and Marketing Manager of the municipality, confirmed this morning that a letter from the DA’s attorneys was received and responded to on Tuesday. “In our response, the municipality insists and asserts that the budget was adopted in compliance to legislation and is valid. We await further communication from them regarding our stance on their claim.
Mothapo also responded to the statement by the DA that the municipality intends to impose business assessment rates on residential properties that are rented out and explained that the tariff was introduced with the intention to curb illegal land use on accommodation. “This is specifically for residential properties for rental accommodation that are in contravention of the Town Planning Scheme and not any other rental accommodation. The municipality has no intention of imposing any tariff that is not in its rates policy,” Mothapo assured and further stated that the municipality had conducted a robust public participation campaign in all clusters as required by law.
DA Caucus Leader Frank Haas confirmed this morning that the DA has received the response and intends to proceed with legal action in due course.

Story and photo: BARRY VILJOEN
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