City plans to resolve most of Valuation objections by end of June 2008

Of the objections that have been received against values appearing on the GV2006 valuation roll, 25 600 have been re-visited so far. Some 19 000 have been reviewed and 17 500 owners have been informed of the municipal valuers decision in respect of their objections. The City plans to resolve most of the objections by the end of June 2008. The objection resolution process is a time consuming one, and in most cases, physical inspections have to be carried out.

The City is making use of both its internal valuers as well valuers in private practice to assist with the process. The valuers will be working in the following areas for the months of April and May 2008:
Camps Bay, Hout Bay, Noordhoek, Fish Hoek, Chapman's Peak, Glencairn, Muizenberg/Lakeside, Rondebosch, Newlands, Penlyn Estate, Lansdowne, Crawford, Gatesville, Rylands, Fairways, Gordon's Bay, Scharpenberg, Greenways, Edgemead, Century City, Sanddrift, Blouberg, Somerset West, Strand North, Ridgeworth, Welgemoed, Loevenstein and Goodwood.

Property owners are requested to cooperate and allow officials to inspect their properties as part of the objection resolution process. They are, however, warned to ensure that officials carry the requisite identification when they call at their homes.

When owners are officially advised of the outcome of their objection, they will be entitled to appeal the decision of the municipal valuer on the official appeal form and all such appeals will be heard by the Valuation Appeal Board. The valuation roll will be adjusted accordingly based on the decision of the Appeal Board.

The Valuation Appeal Boards for the City of Cape Town have been constituted by the Provincial Minister responsible for Local Government. The Boards are currently reviewing the appeals against the decisions by the municipal valuer.

To enquire as to the status of their objections, property owners can contact the City's call centre on 0860 103 089 during office hours or fax to 0860 103 090 or e-mail valuations@capetown.gov.za.

"From feedback we receive there is clearly a broad understanding that the new property valuations, based on the 'market value' of the property, are a legal requirement and not an arbitrary tax imposed by local government. Relief measures and rebates are being applied to new rates and charges in the municipal accounts. Many residents have applied for relief measures in terms of the City's indigent policy, or other rebates such as the pensioners rebate", Gavor added.

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COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
CITY OF CAPE TOWN
TEL: 021 400 3719

MEDIA QUERIES:
CHRISTOPHER GAVOR
TEL: 021 400 1345 CELL: 082 899 3308