Owners of homes that were completely destroyed by the Knysna fires, earlier this year, will not have to pay any property rates for the next 12 months.
The devastating fires that destroyed billions of rands of the built environment in Knysna, has had a traumatic input on the people’s lives and the economy in Knysna. To assist the, 564 households that were completely destroyed by the recent fires, the Knysna Council approved the waiving of property rates for one year for these fire victims during a Special Council meeting on 24 August.
“This contribution by the Knysna Council is valued at R16.5-million,” said Executive Mayor, Eleanore Bouw-Spies.
“In addition, the municipality to date has spent over approximately R7.5-million to restore electricity and water services, provide waivers to demolition and planning applications and support numerous relief efforts,” added Bouw-Spies, who cited the trauma experienced by the victims and the local economy as being a part of the decision-making process.
“The waiving of these rates affords affected residents respite from paying property rates for the 2017/18 financial year,” added Bouw-Spies.
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