The proposed property rates increase in the City of Johannesburg will put financial strain on the residents who are already buckling under financial pressure, says Premier David Makhura.
Concerns were raised by residents after the city raised the value of properties following the release of its municipal valuations recently. The valuations saw properties re-valued by between 20% and 100%, resulting in higher rates and taxes.
Premier Makhura has also joined and expressed his deep concern about what he called the exorbitant property rates increase.
“As I said in the State of the Province Address, life has been tough for many of our residents, the price of food, electricity and transport has been sky-rocketing, placing enormous stress on family finances, these rates increases will negatively affect the real income of families,” Premier Makhura said.
The Premier added that there can be no justification for these increases which will no doubt have disastrous ends for ratepayers.
“I hope the Council is listening to the reactions of the ratepayers and will take their views into consideration when it takes its final decision on the matter,” the Premier added.
Premier Makhura said he will meet with Mayor Herman Mashaba to discuss this further and will appeal to him to ensure that Johannesburg residents are not unduly overburdened with unjustified rate hikes. – SAnews.gov.za
