EDITOR – I received the following letter from James Prosser. I provide his details as he is also a Glenwood resident and has no objection to me using his mail as if from myself as he has added notifications.
Please be advised that the UIP has since been renamed SRA (Special Residential Area), and it appears as such on your 1 July 2013 Rates assessment account indicating a nil rand (in preparation….?)
Remember
– The canvassing in 2008 was carried out on a house to house basis, using pre-printed fully detailed forms. These forms contained an “acceptance” section for signature by the Owner.
– Owners in 2008 lodged objections immediately with the City Manager.
– Due to the l40 objections received, he placed a moratorium on the formation of a UIP in our area and later raised the requirement to 100% before it could be implemented. Note: His term in office has since ended, hence I assume the resurrection of this UIP (SRA)
It is important that residents now get together to stop this happening.
– The SRA is irrevocable – so stop it now while you have the chance
– You the homeowner will have no control over annual increases
– Sign nothing to do with an SRA. Not for a presentation, not for anything. Take the document away from the canvasser.
This levy is a service, and as such is liable to VAT in addition to the amount you are advised you will have to pay. Meetings I have attended, figures quoted exclude VAT.
I believe this SRA scheme will cost homeowners an additional R3000 per annum plus VAT (R3420) onto your current rates – and remember annual increases
The provision of “cleaning and greening and additional security” should not be dependent on the market price of your property. Security companies don’t charges their fees based on your property’s market value why is SRA doing this.
I have attended UIP meetings where the presenter commenced with a R20 pm amount and finally admitted it was likely to be R200 pm (starting off and excl) He admitted that in 2008 Umhlanga homeowners were paying R276 pm (bear in mind it was only in 2009 that the rates evaluation took place – what are they paying now?)
In addition, SRA don’t seem to even be bothered about what personal security steps you, the homeowner, have taken for your property. So in addition to their fees you have to now add your own costs to end up with a huge monthly security bill.
Residents we have to stop this before it is implemented. I am going to obtain the details where objections can be lodged and will advise readers in the next Berea Mail.
Lorraine FouquereauxGlenmore
