HIGHVELD – Many residents in the Govan Mbeki municipal area are not happy with their property valuations.
“The municipality is valuating my property at R1.8 million, but my neighbour bought his property for R1.1 million, so how can mine be worth so much?” asked a Secunda resident.
“They said the value is based on the developments in the area and that is unfair.”
Residents are concerned that in this difficult time in the economy, where many people lost their jobs or had huge salary cuts, because of the lockdown and Covid-19, property is valued so high by the municipality.
Some residents’ properties increased by 20 per cent and others even by 50 per cent.
Ms Ciska Jordaan, the DA’s caucus leader for the Govan Mbeki municipal area, said the DA also received many complaints from residents about their property valuation.
She said residents should have a look at the general valuation of their properties on the municipality’s website, www.govanmbeki.gov.za.
“Many residents received their valuations on e-mail, but some who do not use e-mail might have not seen their properties’ valuation,” said Ms Jordaan.
She said residents can file objections if they are not happy.
The objection forms are available on the municipality’s website.
The objection forms can be dropped in the tender box at the municipality.
Some residents also complained that they could not find their properties at all on the list or their names were incorrect.
These residents should also fill in objection forms and return it to the municipality.
Residents have until Saturday, 30 May to object. Ms Mariaan Chamberlain, DA councillor, said the forms can also be submitted at rooms 308 or 309 at Govan Mbeki Municipality.
Ms Jordaan encouraged residents to take a second copy of the form and ask the official to sign receipt so that residents can have proof that they submitted the forms.
