Property owners urged to check values

Prathan Nayager writes: I just read Metrowatch and it concerned me that City Power is on a drive to disconnect electricity which is deemed to be illegally derived. I have had a reconnection done by City Power a few years ago.

My prepaid meter has been out of order since then and, despite my efforts, City Power has done nothing to fix the problem so that I could resume using the meter. I even had an affidavit drawn up which I presented to an “official” at their Booysens office, where I was treated like a criminal although I had provided my ID and statement.

I was told a while ago, by a City Power employee, that there was nothing he could do and that I should “enjoy the free electricity”! I had a chat about the issue with a family friend employed by City Power and he claimed that there were many people in my situation due to incompetent City Power staff. I even have an old letter (quite likely from your column) from an elderly couple who had given up trying to pay after a fiveyear struggle! Why do they make it so difficult for people like us who strive to be good, honest citizens? Nayager writes again: A new meter has been installed and I will be able to buy electricity again this afternoon (Thursday). Thank you.

JOBURG property owners are urged to check the values of their properties from February 20, when the general valuation roll opens to the public.

The valuations, which affect some 880 000 owners, determine the monthly rates levied.

Property owners have 45 days – until April 6 – in which to lodge their appeals if they feel their property values are too high or too low.

“Property owners within the boundaries of the Joburg metro have the right to inspect the general valuation roll and object to either an entry, or against an omission from the roll,” said the member of the mayoral committee for finance, Funzela Ngobeni.

Once the roll has been finalised, objections will only be allowed through. Every property value is linked to its market value, which is a determinant of the rates payable by each owner, he said.

The valuation roll will be valid for four years and customers’ rates will be calculated on the same value for that period unless changes have been made that may affect the property’s value.

“A general valuation roll forms the basis for the levying of property rates. Owners who want to dispute the value of their properties should complete objection forms and attach supportive documents,” said Ngobeni.

Ratepayers can hand over their objections to valuation staff at any one of the 12 identified venues citywide. The valuation review will start immediately after the objection period ends.

After the objection period is over, the roll will be implemented from July 1.

The roll contains, among others, a description of the property, the category in which it falls, its physical address, the market value and the owner’s name.

The city manager will, at the end of the inspection period, submit all objections to the municipal valuer.

Property owners should note that the lodging of objections does not defer the liability for payment of rates and taxes.

“If the value of your property changes subsequent to the objection process, you will be refunded or billed the difference with interest,” he said.

Attorney Chantelle Gladwin said it was vital that all owners inspect their valuations.

“Please remember that it is your obligation, as a property owner, to check the roll for your property details and to object if something is amiss. Non-receipt of a notice from the city alerting you to the fact that your property is on the roll will not assist you if you do not lodge in time,” she said.

The roll will be available on the city’s website www.joburg. org.za

The new roll will be valid for four years, and determines rates