CMC raises rate charges

Shirley WIJESINGHE

The Colombo Municipal Council has increased the rate charges virtually by 100 percent.

Modifications and institutional changes added to the original buildings have called for a higher assessment of rates.

Municipal Assessor PPT Mohideen told the Daily News yesterday that the ratepayers always think of only one side, the rate hike, ignoring the facilities they are enjoying through the new structural and utility changes.

Mohideen said it is apparent that some buildings have been modified and some are even utilized as offices earning big money.

The CMC assessment revision takes place every five years. Only eight wards are assessed at a time. There are 47 wards.

The revising process cannot be accelerated due to shortage of staff in the Municipal Assessor' s Department, he said.

The CMC will have to face more problems related to fund raising unless it revises the rates on property and assets in the city limits to provide better services to ratepayers and commuters.

The revised rate charges had been prepared only after considering new changes and the expenses to be borne on the services provided to ratepayers, he said

He further said the assessment of properties include machinery and telecommunication towers in the buildings and premises.

Buildings in the heart of the city will be assessed at a higher rates compared to others.

Ratepayers have protested against the revised rates. They claim that the new charges are too high.