The Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, visited Hermanus on Saturday, 31 August 2024, and facilitated a workshop with councillors in the Overstrand region as part of a drive to upskill councillors and create awareness of their roles and responsibilities within a council.
During the visit some interesting information was shared about municipalities in the Western Cape. Of specific interest for residents of Overstrand is that of property rates. In terms of residential properties, with a property to the value of R 2,0 million, Overstrand’s rates are the lowest in the Overberg District and second lowest in the province.
With regard to the Western Cape figures for the above category, Overstrand Municipality’s rate is the third lowest at R 438,75, 2nd is Prince Albert at R 384,17 and the lowest is Saldanha Bay at R 261,25. Once again Overstrand Municipality’s rate is the lowest in the Overberg District.
On businesses with a value of R 2 million Overstrand Municipality is the lowest in the Overberg District at R 1 228,00 and the third lowest in the province. Prince Albert’s rate is the lowest at R 1 101,33 followed by Mosselbay at R 1 211,67.
The above analysis of the property rates shows that even though Overstrand is perceived to be an expensive municipality, the reality shows the opposite. The figures were collected by the Department of Local Government as part of the provincial oversight exercised over municipalities and also informs the provincial and national budget planning.
The comparison of the tariffs for commercial services will be dealt with later in a separate article. Mayor Rabie reiterated that affordability of services to the residents remains her top priority and urges the public once again to become involved in the budgeting processes that will kick off in October 2024.
