The new valuations for Windhoek properties, as prescribed by legislation, and as for the year 2005, have been finalised.

The provisional valution roll for Windhoek properties lies open for inspection since the 14th day of August 2006, for 21 (twenty one) days. Property owners who are not satisfied with the new valuation figures must within those 21 (twenty one) days object in writing and with reasons. The necessary objection forms are available from Mr Lessing at the customer care centre of the Municipality of Windhoek.

These objections will be dealt with by the valuation court as from the 18th day of September 2006.

It is interesting to note that it appears that a motivated valuation report is to be submitted together with any objections. The WRA asks itself on which legal basis this is done. Also, what about the cost factor for such an extra valuation? Such cost factor is probably not budgeted for by each property owner and probably also not something that each and every property owner can afford. (Or will the City take care of such costs?)

Questionable is also whether the City properly considered the effect that such an, as it appears quite high, increase has on the market. Such could result in a downward economic trend in the real estate market. Fact is that the indirect or side costs of properties could obviously now increase drama-tically and will for a lot of potential buyers or developers of properties cause disinterest in particular properties, which can again have an effect on the market value of properties. Does the City need to decrease its budget deficit by way of these grave rate increases, and is doing so by way of the easiest method, which is to do such at the cost of those that in any event finance the majority of the City‘s budget? The City should be prepared for a lot of objec-tions, which will manifest itself before the valuation court.

We (the WRA) advise all property owners to inspect the new valuation figures at the City of Windhoek and in the event of dissatisfaction with such, to contact us, the WRA. Our telephone number is 061-225 803 from 9h00 until 17h00 and the contact person is Mr. H. Bödecker.