Durban Mayor launches Covid-19 Social Relief Programme
The eThekwini Municipality has set aside R66 million for food hamper distribution.
DURBAN Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda launched the city’s Covid-19 Social Relief Programme (SRP) in response to the socioeconomic challenges that have resulted from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The SRP includes food vouchers and hamper distribution as well as offering temporary shelter to homeless people.
“In line with this social relief plan, the city took a decision this week to procure food hampers and vouchers that will be distributed to 1000 poor households per ward in all 110 wards making up eThekwini Municipality. Our main focus will be on households who bear the brunt of poverty such as child-headed households, families that receive meals in our nutrition centres, families where no one receives a social grant, the unemployed and military veterans,” said Kaunda.
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According to Kaunda, the estimated cost of each food hamper is R600 per household and the municipality has set aside R66 million for this intervention.
“Since these are public funds, we have emphasised to the officials to ensure that procurement processes are followed to the letter,” said Kaunda.
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The city has set up 11 temporary shelters for the homeless, installed 242 static water tanks in informal settlements and delivered 181 chemical toilets and hand sanitisers to informal settlements, added Kaunda.
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