Property valuations drive up City charges

Homeowners in the far south are reporting significant increases in their municipal bills following new property valuations by the City of Cape Town.

- ERIN CARELSE

Bas Zuidberg, chair of the Cape Town Collective Ratepayers' Association (CTCRA) and also chair of the Noordhoek Ratepayers' Association, said a social media poll the association is running indicates the average increase for properties in Noordhoek is around 50 - 60%.

"That would mean an increase in municipal fixed charges - rates, electricity, water, sanitation and sundries - of about 50%, even if the City applies its proposed 10% reduction," he said.

"Residents are incredibly concerned and frustrated. While wealthier areas may need to support less affluent ones, seeing bills rise while basic services are sometimes lacking is causing anger."