Parkop assures residents of no hikes in land rates

Caption:  NCD Governor PowesParkop.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, March 8, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

FOLLOWING the presentation of the valuation rolls from the Valuer General this week- NCD governor PowesParkop did not rule out increases in land rates however, assured residents that there were no plans to increase the percentage charged of 3.5 percent for Commercial and 2.3 percent of residential properties.

He said that with the up to date rolls now in the current rate would stand, but due to increase in the value of land in the city, and the past charging of rates for 20 years based on the 1992 valuation rolls, eventually by 2016 the new rates will apply.

“This is not to say that immediately after this if the rate goes up we will increase the rates, but we will have to note the value so that we collect the appropriate rate,” Governor Parkop said.

“Even if the rate is retained like 3 percent or 2 percent it has the rate of the actual current value of that property and not of the 1992 value because that not being honest.”

“Some people are getting a lot more money and value out of their property and they are paying less to the municipal government.”

He assure that if the rolls say that the value has gone up, which he said everyone could agree that it has- that did not mean that they will immediately put rates up to 5 percent.

“There are properties with high values running as guest houses, hotels, but we charge only one particular value, now we need to value that.”

“I am hopeful now that the record given to us will give us a very objective assessment of the real values of the properties in the city so we can charge the appropriate rate.”

“With this rate if we increase it we get more either by increasing the rate or by charging the current value and getting more income or revenue to provide more services.”