Residents of GMM must take action

SECUNDA – Nearly a year ago, residents of the Govan Mbeki Municipality were up in arms about proposed increases in property tax tariffs and property valuations.

Residents were instructed to view the valuation roll, check whether their property valuation has increased and lodge a complaint with the municipality if they believed the increase was unjust or unfounded.

Following a concerted effort by the DA and a number of local businessmen to get residents involved, many residents adhered to the deadline for lodging a complaint against these increases and it seemed as though this situation would be resolved.

Various public meetings were held and there was an attempt to establish a local ratepayers’ association.

At a council meeting held in May last year, a resolution was passed whereby all property taxes based on the 2016 Supplementary Valuation Roll, would not increase with a percentage exceeding 10 per cent in the rand and cent value from the 2015/2016 tariff.

According to various concerned residents who have contacted the Ridge Times over the past few months, this resolution has not been honoured by Govan Mbeki Municipality.

The only comment from the municipality on this matter, was that a supplementary valuation roll would be available for the homeowners to check between 16 Janaury and 24 February.

Objections against this second valuation roll can be lodged in a process similar to the first round of objections until 24 February at 4pm.

These written objections must be delivered to rooms 307 and 309 of the Govan Mbeki Municipal offices in Secunda, the first floor of the Govan Mbeki Municipal offices in Bethal or at the Govan Mbeki Municipal offices in Leslie.

In an urgent message to residents, local ward councilors urged residents to check the valuation roll and to lodge an objection against their property valuations.

In many instances, the valuations have increased with nearly a hundred per cent.

According to a DA council member, the DA is still fighting for the resolution limiting the increases to no more than 10 per cent to be honoured, but the public should make sure their objections are lodged correctly before the closing date.

The supplementary valuation roll will also be available at www.govanmbeki.go.za.

Residents who are serious about resolving this matter and who have lodged their objections, are also invited to like the Secunda (Teks) Ratepayers’ Group Facebook page.

This group was formed by a few concerned citizens who believe in the potential of Govan Mbeki Municipality and are proud residents of the towns in this area.

One of the founding members of the group explained what the purpose of the group is: “We want to hold the municipality, the businesses and the residents accountable.”