Property and Tax rates

I had enquire about my property rate and tax for my house on the 14 Jan 2015 to the municipality, and I did not receive any response, to my surprise I receive the statement that owe R17000, which I requested the explanation as to how it came to that amount. I did not received a feedback, then I went physically to their office at 373 Pretorius to enquire and the person dealing them was not available. The person dealing with the reconnection or the billing account they advise that should I not made the arrangement to pay this amount I will be disconnected the electricity or water..No one bother to explain how the amount result from that amount.<br> The supervisor by the name of Mosesm said the only option is to pay the amount by 80% before they can assist me.Or else make an arrangement to pay the 17000 thousand by instalment which allow only 18 month.<br> My complain is that I cannot afford to pay the amount per month(1700) and the responsibilities of ensuring that the property and tax rate be paid belongs to who, and also how possible is that my neighbour is paying less amount on the property &amp