Sir
In the row about “rates increases” some issues have been ignored: -by how much (Rands) will the Municipal revenue increase in the first year of the “new” rates?
What fees were paid to the Valuers?
Was the fee based on Rand value of total new rates?
What was the Valuers mandate (we need to see the written instruction)?
Were illegal businesses valued for “rates” purposes as if they were zoned for “business” (eg Tuckshops, hairdressers, trucking contractors, motor mechanics etc)? Are residential properties that have boreholes rated at a higher value than other residential properties?
Surely, it is about time that all legitimate businesses form a “Chamber of Commerce” to represent them at the Endumeni Municipality and similarly, some real “Residents Associations” should be created to voice ratepayers concerns on a formal and united basis?
This current situation beholds all ratepayers to take an active interest in the finances of the town and to study the annual budget and ask questions.
Municipal meetings should make provision for regular formal representations from organised business and ratepayers bodies.
The politicians will continue to do as they please because it seems no-one really cares UNTIL they have to pay up!
Observer
