The metro is looking to apply for special rating area in certain areas in Ekurhuleni.
A special rating area basically looks for the implementation of additional levies on property in a certain area for the purpose of raising funds for improving the area.
For example, the metro could declare Payneville as a special rating area and residents in that area would have to pay an additional levy for the purpose of upgrading it.
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The metro is seeking residents’ comments on this policy before it is drafted into law.
Residents on the metro’s Facebook page were unimpressed by this proposal, with many seeing it as an opportunity for the metro to get more money from residents.
“More money to waste and exploit ratepayers,” says Roddy Jardim.
Heinrich Ernst asked: “How will one be sure the extra money is only applied there?
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“All it is, is to stop services delivery to wealthy areas because they can pay for it themselves.
“So they pay twice for the same service.”
Others like Hannelie Reinhardt asked what the metro has done with the rates residents have already paid.
Some residents couldn’t comment simply because they didn’t understand what the metro was asking from them.
Additionally, the lack of publicity around this policy and the closing date for comments was concerning as not enough people will have a chance to have their say.
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The metro did not respond in time for publication.
Closing dates for comments is October 21 and comments can be handed in at the office of the divisional head: urban management and operations office in Germiston, and the customer care centre at the Civic Centre.
Those with questions about the policy can contact Goodness Nokulunga Nhlapho via email at Nokulunga.Nhlapho@ekurhuleni.gov.za or 011 999 0739.
The metro failed to respond in time for publication.
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