THE fourth supplementary valuation roll for all properties within the City of uMhlathuze is open for public inspection until 27 March.
Effective from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2016, the general valuation is undertaken once every four years and is reviewed annually.
The Municipal Property Rates Act is a law that gives a municipality authority to value and rate immovable properties within its boundaries.
The municipal rates each property owner pays is determined by the market value of his/her property in relation to other properties in the municipal area.
The revenue received from property rates is used to fund the maintenance of roads, streets, lighting and storm water drainage facilities and the building and operation of clinics, parks and cemeteries.
City Communications Manager Mdu Ncalane said the municipality had not received any objections with about three weeks to go.
‘The City is so far pleased with the fourth supplementary valuation (SV4) process. The SV4 so far has seen 332 freeholds and 59 sectional titles being valued,’ Ncalane told the Zululand Observer.
While some residents were happy with the decreases in property valuations as determined in 2013, others questioned the steep increases, which they deemed were unjustifiable in light of the apparent downturn of the property market.
Questioned whether the valuations were an indication of a slight incline in the current property market, Ncalane said the City would only comment on the valued property against the markets until the entire process had been finalised.
Residents wishing to lodge objections must ensure that it is in relation to the valuation of a specific individual property and not against the valuation roll.
Where to find the valuation roll
The valuation roll and objection forms can be accessed at the uMhlathuze Municipality in Richards Bay, Room C128 or C145 (first floor), the Empangeni Library, as well as the Township Manager’s offices at eSikhaleni, eNseleni and Ngwelezane until 27 March during office hours.
In addition the general valuation roll is available on Council’s website at www.umhlathuze.gov.za
Completed objection forms must be returned by 27 March and can be posted to Private Bag X1004, Richards Bay, 3900, hand delivered at the municipal office in Richards Bay or e-mailed to valuations@umhlathuze.gov.za.
It can also be faxed to 086 212 7525.
For further enquiries, contact S Talanda on 035 9075058, L Ntombela on 035 9075098 or T Sithole on 035 9075074.
