PAYMENT OF PROPERTY RATES

KOUGAMUNICIPALITY(EC108)

NOTICE NO 196/2010

PAYMENT OF PROPERTY RATES

The Municipality hereby wishes to distance itself from the threatened actions of a Rates Boycott and appeals to property owners to carefully consider the consequences of participating in any illegal activities.

We are a law abiding society and inasmuch as everything may not be as rosy in the garden as we would like them to be, there still are great many facilities and amenities, including services, which are not readily available elsewhere.

There are also many positive things happening in and around our area despite the immense backlog which exists and which the new democratic Order is fervently working on to improve the quality of the lives of all our inhabitants.

Property rates are due with effect from 1 July 2010 and the final date for payment is 30 September 2010 in respect of annual payments.

Given the very tight financial constraints of the Budget, we hereby further appeal to everyone to pay their rates promptly, as we too have financial commitments which have to be met. It is unfortunate that the valuation appeal process is taking so long to be finalized, but this is regrettably beyond the control of the Municipality who is obliged to implement the provisions of the law which states that an appeal lodged does not defer a person’s liability for payment of rates beyond the date determined for payment.

You are also reminded that we have a responsibility to ensure that the financial affairs of the Council are conducted in a businesslike manner and that includes the implementation of credit control and debt collection which will be pursued vigorously within the next two weeks.

If you are experiencing difficulties in regard to payments, please do not wait for the legal process to be implemented and for summons to be issued before approaching the municipality to establish how we may be able to assist you.

The Municipality is striving towards achieving a healthy, happy, and mutually beneficial relationship with the community at large.

DR E.M.RANKWANA                                                    P.O. Box 21

MUNICIPAL MANAGER                                               Jeffreys Bay