Have your say in rate policy review

Residents will be afforded the opportunity to contribute to the review of current property rates by the City of Johannesburg (CoJ).

CoJ reviews its Property Rates Policy annually and a series of Property Rates Policy meetings will be held throughout the city’s seven regions. The first meeting was held in Orlando East on 21 January. The last meeting of the campaign will be held the Roodepoort City Hall, corner Dieperink and Berlandina Streets, on 13 February from 6pm to 8pm. Citywide, a total of 21 meetings will be held over three weeks.

This process ensures residents’ voices are heard in order for the rates policy to remain sustainable and the related tariffs equitable and affordable.

According to Kgamanyane Maphologela, the Director of Communications for Customer Revenue, this process is the first of two phases. “During the current public consultation exercise, we inform residents and ratepayers about the existing rates and invite them to comment on them. This is the first phase,” he said.

The second phase will take place during April and May. “During this period we will present the new proposals, with the feedback incorporated, and finalise the process,” said Maphologela.

He said the CoJ was mindful of the fact that there were property owners who struggled financially and that is why they offer social relief and create a safety net for vulnerable groups, including the poorest of the poor, people with disabilities and pensioners.

Ratepayers falling within these categories are urged to apply for a range of subsidies on rates or rebates on electricity, water and other services, including pensioner rebates and social packages. To find the 2016–2017 Rates Policy and Tariff Schedule, visit www.Joburg.org.za.

Should residents want to submit comments regarding this matter, they must forward the comments – in writing – to ratescomment@joburg.org.za or 086 447 7567 (fax).

The due date for all comments, inputs and submissions is 21 February.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine

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