JULY LOOTING: Property revaluation relief for affected businesses

THE uMhlathuze Municipality calls on owners of business properties that suffered structural damage during July’s civil unrest, to apply for a revaluation of their premises.

This is part of various interventions to provide relief to those affected by the riots.

ALSO READ: Dice calls on Spar shoppers for support

‘The municipality is sympathetic to the damage suffered by a number of establishments in the city, and among the interventions to help is the review and alteration of rates,’ said uMhlathuze communications manager Mdu Ncalane.

He said affected businesses will be inspected to determine whether a review of rates will be warranted.

‘For example, if a business premises was completely destroyed during the unrest, that property might be rated as vacant land until a new building has been erected.

‘Once restored, the property will be reviewed and rates adjusted accordingly,’ said Ncalane.

This is in line with Section 78(1)(d) of the Local Government Municipal Property Rates Act, in conjunction with the Disaster Management Act No 57 of 2002.

The Act allows municipalities to revalue property at any time other than on a general valuation roll.

‘This Act does not only apply to businesses. All property owners can submit a Section 78 query to revalue a property if the market value has changed since the last valuation,’ said Ncalane.

Application forms are available from the municipality’s website or from the security desks at the Richards Bay and Empangeni civic centres, as well as the eSikhawini, eNseleni, Vulindlela and Ngwelezana offices.

Completed forms can be posted to Private Bag X1004, Richards Bay, 3900, hand delivered to the security desk at the uMhlathuze Municipality in Richards Bay, or emailed to valuations@umhlathuze.gov.za

For further enquiries, phone 035 9075020.