Niël Terblanché
The Swakopmund Municipal Council has commenced with a general valuation of all rateable properties within its jurisdiction.
The announcement came in a statement on Wednesday.
The systematic and in-depth process aims to re-evaluate all immovable properties to ensure equality among property owners and accurate property rates.
According to the Local Authorities Act 1992 (Act 23 of 1992), as amended, this general valuation is a statutory requirement every five years.
The town stated that the exercise will cover approximately 19 200 registered rateable properties in Swakopmund.
Valuers and data collectors from SBN Property Investments CC will conduct the inspections, visiting each property between 08:00 and 17:00, Monday to Saturday.
These professionals will carry identity cards featuring their names and clear photographs.
If in doubt, residents should contact the SBN supervisor at 081 226 8272 to confirm the authenticity of these identity cards.
During their visit, data collectors will conduct a thorough inspection, draft sketches, measure structures, and inquire about various property details.
Information such as the year the house was built, the number of rooms, the types of construction materials used, and details of any additional improvements will be collected.
The Swakopmund Municipality stressed the importance of public cooperation during this valuation process.
“Obstructing a valuer or data collector is considered a criminal offence,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the collected data will be treated with confidentiality and used to determine the property’s value accurately.
“It is important to note that the valuation process does not necessarily result in an increase or decrease in the rates bill. Property taxes are revised annually based on the council’s budget and expenditures. The ultimate goal is to ensure fair property valuations, enabling equitable tax distribution among property owners,” the statement reads.
The Swakopmund Municipality urged all property owners to facilitate this essential exercise for the betterment of municipal services and community development.
