Second vaccine SMS
With almost a month since the metro launched the Covid-19 vaccine rollout on May 17, healthcare workers and residents who are 60 years and older are reminded of their second dose.
“The second dose of the Pfizer vaccine will now be given at six weeks (42 days) after the first dose rather than three weeks (21 days).
“We urge the metro’s citizens to await a SMS, which will alert them when they are due to receive their second dose,” said MMC for Health and Social Services Nomadlozi Nkosi.
The MMC encouraged residents to continue observing the Covid-19 regulations and adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions.
Nkosi stated compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions remains vital in minimising the impact of the third wave and reducing transmission.
She added this could be done through simple behavioural changes such as the proper wearing of masks when in contact with other people, masks should cover both the nose and mouth, maintaining a physical distance of at least 1.5m, washing of hands frequently using soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser.
Social packages
The metro continues to provide much-needed relief to the less fortunate members of society through its social package.
During the budget speech, tabled by MMC for Finance and Economic Development Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, it was shared that from 2016 the metro had spent R18.21-billion providing free basic services, such as water, electricity, waste removal and rebates on assessment rates.
“Although the economic environment has changed drastically, our ‘pro-poor’ agenda remains on track. The metro is committing to providing a social package to the most vulnerable members of our society at R5.7-b to the municipality in the 2021/22 financial year,” said Xhakaza.
The MMC stated the budget was one of the metro’s efforts to lessen the economic burden of fellow citizens.
The social package has the following indigent relief programme:
• One 100% rebate on assessment rates
• Free refuse removal
• First 50kWh of electricity per month is free
• First six kilolitres of water and sewer per month are free
• Special rates on emergency services, such as ambulance and fire-fighting
• Free indigent burial.
Residents are encouraged to register at the indigent offices located at the 20 customer care centres.
After their interview with a professional social worker, and if the application is successful, they will be linked to the relevant packages based on their needs.
Sinkholes
Between June 2016 and June 2020, the metro had rehabilitated around 32 sinkholes costing close to R12-million.
Sinkholes develop due to concentrated ingress of water into the ground mostly caused by an inappropriate or illegal connection of stormwater pipes and drainage pipes, including sewer pipes.
It is a big hole in the ground caused by underground erosion. This is prevalent on a dolomitic terrain.
The metro is 52% dolomitic, making it prone to sinkholes.
Water leaks are the main reason for the development of sinkholes.
That is why the metro has embarked on the refurbishment of its infrastructure, which includes its underground pipes.
Residents are urged to fix water leaks on their properties and report those outside of their properties.
The metro does not always carry the costs of rehabilitation of the sinkholes. It depends on its cause.
If it was caused by the negligence of the property owner, he will carry the responsibility.
If residents notice the unexplainable sinking of the ground in their property, they should call the Ekurhuleni Service Delivery Call Centre on 0860 543 000 to report it.
(Information: Ekurhuleni metro)
ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni metro warns residents of tender scam
ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni serial rapist case postponed to June 7
