The Overstrand Municipality decided to shed light on the increased municipal rates after outraged residents took to the streets.
“Several complaints from residents have been received over the last two weeks about high accounts,” said Overstrand Executive Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie. “Although numerous communications have been issued in this regard, we wish to share the following . . .”
She said there are four possible reasons why residents may have received a higher-than-normal municipal account at the end of July. . Number of days between water meter readings: The dates between water meter readings also play an important role as the system provides for calculation in accordance with the number of days. So if it is a longer period you will receive more kl units consumed per sliding scale, to avoid incorrect charging, (example, 45 days’ consumption will be calculated as 30 days as well as another 15 days on the lower tariff of the sliding scale).. Change of the Indigent Policy: This policy has changed, which is likely to influence consumers registered as Indigent Households with property value less than R220 000 greatly. At the end of May the number of approved indigent households was 7 433, but at the end of June it was 1 491 households, a reduction of 5 942 households, most probably because people did not re-apply. Because the 5 942 households did not receive subsidy in relation to June, their bills are high and they are responsible for the total bill, until they come to apply again and qualify, they will receive the subsidy from the date of application.. New tariffs started on 1 July: The annual increase in rates and tariffs came into effect on 1 July and the municipal account reflected this increase. Development (6%), electricity (15,1%), refuse 6,8%, resorts (6%), sewer – basic (6,8%), sewer – consumption (7,5%), sundry (6%), water – basic (6,5%), water – consumption (6,8%).. Increase of roll valuations to market value: The new valuation role was implemented on 1 July. Properties are valued in accordance with the market value as on 2 July 2022. Some clients’ rates payment increased in line with the market value on the account and some account holders will pay less due to the market value of the property.
“It has also come to our attention that there are some individuals who claim that they are responsible for the implementation of the indigent grant road shows. This is opportunistic, to say the least,” Rabie said.
“This decision was taken after Council amended the Indigent Policy, to be more advantageous for households that fell just outside the qualifying criteria, but who are still struggling with the payment of their municipal accounts.”
The Mayor further urged residents to continue applying for the indigent grant as it really assists vulnerable households and also ensures that the possibility of arrears on their municipal accounts is reduced.
