Residents of Region F have urged the City to clamp down on illegal spaza shops, unauthorised structures and derelict buildings in the area because these had an adverse effect on the value of properties.
“We are concerned about the mushrooming of illegal shops at every corner in our ward. What are the policies in terms of opening scrapyard businesses and erecting backrooms,” asked one resident.
Another property owner said, “We only see the draft of the rates policy in April, and there is no public consultation on the draft.
“We are entitled to see the draft now during these consultations and not in April. The City has to look at this process as residents are not given enough time to make meaningful contributions.”
These are some of the concerns raised during the 2020/21 property rates review policy consultation meeting on February 19 at Eureka House in Springfield.
Lloyd Lawrence, the City’s manager for Revenue Enhancement assured residents that their concerns, as well as inputs, would be taken into account during the finalisation of the rates policy.
“We are here to solicit input from the community, residents have to make submissions by March 11,” said Lawrence.
He told residents that the City levies different rates for different categories of rateable property based on zoning. The value of one’s property determines the rates to be paid.
“The City does not levy a rate on the first part of the value up to R350 000 of the market value as per the Valuation Roll however this only applies to residential properties,” he explained.
The City conducts a review of its rates policy annually to comply with prescripts of the law.
The review of the municipal rates policy happens in two phases and involves members of the public: The first phase is when the City requests inputs from stakeholders and creates a draft policy that is presented to council for approval. The second phase begins in April and is part of the public consultation for the IDP, budget and tariffs.
In terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), the municipal manager must in his capacity as the accounting officer ensure that the City implements a rates policy.
The 2019/2020 Rates policy is available on the CoJ website on www.joburg.org.za Written submissions can be sent to RatesComments@joburg.org.za
