GCC to name, shame, prosecute property rates delinquents

He stated in a statement that they will refer to the Local Government Act of 2012 and regulation 35 of the Local Government (Valuation and Rating) Regulations 2019. The two provisions provide that where the owner of the property fails to pay the rates following the issuance of a demand letter, the council should publish in the Government Gazette or in a newspaper of national circulation, the name of the person and the amount of the rates owed by him or her. The regulations, he stated, empower the council to approach the courts of law and institute legal action against the said persons should the rates remain unpaid after the issuance of the demand and publication referred to above.

"GCC is, therefore, calling upon all owners of rateable properties within Gaborone to pay all outstanding rates for their properties, failing which the council shall evoke the provisions of Regulations 35 referred to above and publish their names and amounts owed in the Gazette or a national newspaper,” he wrote.