Municipal relief programmes to help the poor, elderly
The municipality has been implementing these programmes for several years and that residents only need to visit the municipal offices and register themselves to enjoy the benefits applicable to their situations - Polokwane Municipality Spokesperson, Matshidiso Mothapo
POLOKWANE – A week after members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) marched to the offices of the Polokwane Municipality, the municipality said they will give feedback on issues raised by the EFF in due time.
One of the main concerns of the EFF members was that with the increase to the rates and taxes to be implemented on 1 July, the poor, people who receive social grants and pensioners will not be able to pay their bills.
In May this year, the EFF said they would take action against municipalities who, according to the party, increase the rates to such a degree that residents, especially the elderly, cannot pay their bills.
“People who receive a pension and those who depend on social grants should not be charged exorbitant fees for utilities and services with the rising levels of unemployment in the province,” EFF MPL and Provincial Spokesperson, Jossey Buthane, said during last week’s march.
Polokwane Municipality Spokesperson, Matshidiso Mothapo, told Review that the municipality will be giving feedback to the EFF in the time period afforded to them in the memorandum.
Mothapo said it is important that residents know there are several relief programmes already in place in the city aimed at helping the poor and the elderly.
“In the past few months Polokwane Mayor, Thembi Nkadimeng, has met with several people in the community in and around the city to talk about the measures set in place by the municipality to assist them with billing issues and relief.
“The municipality has what is called an indigent database where people who earn less than R3 500 per month as a combined income can register to receive some of the municipal services for free,” Mothapo said.
He added that the municipality has been implementing these programmes for several years and that residents only need to visit the municipal offices and register themselves to enjoy the benefits applicable to their situations.
Mothapo said several people who have taken their complaints and concerns to the municipality were assisted and their concerns resolved.
Residents who would like to register for the various relief programmes and further assistance need to bring the necessary supporting documentation along to the Polokwane Municipality offices located on the corner of Landros Maré and Bodenstein Streets, Polokwane.
A list of the documents you need to bring to thePolokwane Municipality’s offices upon registering:
• Proof of residence.
• An affidavit from the police.
• Identity Document.
• Proof of income for everyone earning less than R3 500 per month.
