NMB rates higher than those in other SA cities

Charged on new valuation

AS with Colyn Myles (“Market valuations of our properties a rip-off”, August 9), I also submitted an objection to the 49% increase in valuation of my Walmer residence. A letter of acknowledgement was received, but nothing further after that.

A few days ago I received my latest NMBM statement, which has reflected the new valuation (R3.8-million) and new rates charge (R3 510.27) for my property, which was previously valued at R2.55-million and with a previous rates charge of R2 252.35 per month.

This is almost a 56% increase.

My questions to the council are:

Why do Port Elizabethans in affluent suburbs pay so much more than fellow South Africans living in the affluent suburbs of other major cities – as a comparison of rates applicable in other cities below shows (valuation followed by monthly rates)?

Constantia, Cape Town – R5.35-million, R1 530

Constantia, Cape Town – R10.5-million, R3 000

Hatfield, Pretoria – R5.2-million, R1 600

Brooklyn, Pretoria – R3.995- million, R1 990

Bryanston, Johannesburg – R8.488-million, R2 540

Bryanston, Johannesburg – R7.95-million, R3 500

Langenhovenpark, Bloemfontein – R3.15-million, R850

Dan Pienaar, Bloemfontein – R3.79-million, R1 500

Berea, Durban – R8.25-million, R3 203

Durban North – R6.4-million, R2 600

Waverly, Bloemfontein – R2.8-million, R1 300

The information above (obtained from an internet property site) reflects the current market values of properties on offer throughout South Africa;

Why are there big discrepancies between even the rates payable in affluent suburbs of Port Elizabeth?

A property currently on the market at a prestigious address in Summerstrand at R2.999-million, with the same number of rooms but on an erf 75% of the size of mine in Walmer, pays rates of R1 918?

This is just more than half of what I am expected to pay.

Barely a stone’s throw from mine, another property is now listed/valued at R3.799-million and has rates of only R2 700 per month?

Does it not occur to the council that anybody owning and living in their own house and subjected to an increase of more than the current rate of inflation would feel both exploited and abused?

For myself and others in the same situation, such an increase is unsustainable. It means that there is a real threat to the financial security of our “golden years”, towards which a lifetime has been spent working;

As a ratepayer who always pays on time, it is hard for me to see such an obscene increase in my rates while simultaneously seeing the largess with which council gives out free – or is apparently incapable of preventing the theft of – electricity and water.

Is council simply gouging the “haves” to balance the books for the “have-nots”?

Despite the many letters I have seen in The Herald echoing my own experience regarding this exorbitant rates increase on certain properties, there has been virtually no response from the DA-led council.

If the present politicians are so insensitive to the distress inflicted on so many property owners, my feeling is that we ratepayers should in future municipal elections look at supporting independent candidates – people who express a real concern for their constituents.

Mike Klee, Walmer, Port Elizabeth