Valuation dispute: no end in sight

ARLENE GRAY OF ALBERTSVILLE WRITES:

I put in an application for objection to the property valuation in Randburg, in April last year.

It’s almost 2020 and I’m desperate for this to be sorted. It is affecting my rates accounts as I also applied for a pensioner rebate in April last year.

I am in a catch-22 situation with the council which has not responded. I received a call in May this year from a man saying it was in process so they did get the objection form. I’ve heard nothing since. I’m frustrated beyond belief as a pensioner. Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

WARD COUNCILLOR TIM TRULUCK REPLIES:

The valuations appeal board has started sending out correspondence to property owners who appealed their valuation objections.

As there were 8 000 appeals and they are dealing with 40 a day, it will take 200 days or 40 weeks to get through them all. With holidays, I estimate it will take at least a year. Please be patient.

You should receive an email and/ or letter with the date of your hearing. There will be about 40 other appeals on the same day.

When you arrive at 9am at 66 Jorisson Street, Braamfontein, you will need to sign the register and the appeals will then be dealt with on a first-come, first-serve basis.

You will need to bring your supporting documents in case the appeal board requires them. And you will be asked to plead your case if it was to avoid the Section 52 review.

If you cannot attend on the day, please let them know as soon as possible with documents such as your hospital admission form if you are ill. If you miss your date without a valid reason, then your appeal will be converted to a Section 52 Review which is held internally and you will not be invited to attend.