City argues for the legality of its fixed tariffs in court

THE Western Cape High Court heard arguments concerning the City of Cape Town's fixed tariffs and its decision to link certain fixed charges to property values.

- THEOLIN TEMBO

Yesterday the court heard that the City possesses broad powers, with no restrictions on the impositions it can make.

Judge President Nolwazi Mabindla-Boqwana, as well as presiding judges Judge Andre Le Grange and Judge Katharine Savage, were fastidious as they heard arguments from the South African Property Owners Association (Sapoa), AfriForum, and the City.

In its court application, Sapoa is asking for the three tariffs in the budget, namely the Cleaning Tariff, the Fixed Water Charge, and the Fixed Sanitation Charge be declared unconstitutional and invalid.

Sapoa's membership currently comprises more than 90% of the country's commercial and retail property industry, including some of the largest property-owning companies in South Africa.