Polokwane Muni sets up mobile units for defaulters to make arrangements
The Polokwane Municipality has reiterated its mandate to provide free basic services to indigent households
POLOKWANE – The municipality says the provision of free basic services has become its cornerstone for the eradication of poverty and a means of ensuring residents live a dignified life as enshrined in the constitution.
The indigent support is a municipal programme put in place to bring relief to low income households which are unable to afford paying for basic services, especially water and electricity.
According to municipal spokesperson, Tidimalo Chuene, these free basic services have cost the municipality over R70 million in the 2014/15 financial year.
Chuene said the municipality has set aside an amount of R40 million during the 2016/17 financial year.
“This is covered by the municipality’s equitable share allocation from national government. This budget provides for more than 10 000 households to be registered as indigent in 2014/15 and therefore entitled to receiving free basic services.
“The number is set to increase given the rapid rate of immigration to the municipality, especially by poor people seeking economic opportunities” said Chuene.
Chuene went on to announce: “qualifying households will receive six kilolitres in free basic water monthly, 100 kWh of free electricity, whilst they will be exempted 100% in terms of refuse and sewage. Properties of up to R100 000 are exempted from assessment rates. There is no closing date for new and renewed applications”.
Regarding accounts that were in arrears, Chuene said: “the arrears on the accounts of household consumers, approved as indigent, will be submitted to council to be written off in part or in full depending on budget availability and council approval (including any interest charged).
“This submission will only be valid as a once-off exercise after approval and will not be applicable for future consumption in excess of the approved subsidy accumulated”.
Chuene added that: “households within the jurisdiction of Polokwane Municipality who qualify for indigent support are therefore still urged to complete application forms which are available at the municipal main building, Civic Centre, corner Landdros Maré & Bodenstein Streets and satellite offices in Mankweng, Seshego and Sebayeng”.
The Indigent Support Policy and registration forms are also available on the municipality’s website www.polokwane.gov.za.
