A controversial levy that first appeared on Makana ratepayers' bills in July has been withdrawn. Ratepayers in Grahamstown and Alicedale expressed concern when a R25 charge appeared on their July and August rates and services accounts.
A controversial levy that first appeared on Makana ratepayers' bills in July has been withdrawn. Ratepayers in Grahamstown and Alicedale expressed concern when a R25 charge appeared on their July and August rates and services accounts.
In a group email forwarded to Grocott's Mail, Alicedale business owner Eli Konstant wrote, "It smacks of another form of income which can be used to purchase a new car for the Mayor, or another pot into which sticky fingers can be dipped, for we see no improved infrastructure here in Alicedale."
In response to questions from Grocott's Mail earlier this week, Makana Municipality's acting chief financial officer Busisiwe Khumalo said the infrastructure levy was a charge separate from rates. Khumalo said all ratepayers were subject to the levy, at a rate of R25 a month per property.
“The actual income received in respect of this levy will be held in a separate bank account.
“It will be used specifically to maintain the roads, water, sewerage and electricity network within the Makana area of jurisdiction,” Khumalo said.
However, in an about-turn later this week, municipal spokesperson Yoliswa Ramokolo yesterday told Grocott's Mail that the levy would be withdrawn.
The amount already taken from ratepayers would be credited to their next rates account, Ramokolo.
Ramokolo said that the infrastructure levy had to be gazetted before it could be implemented. Once gazetted, it would be re-implemented in Makana Municipality.
