Municipal indigent programme offers relief to residents in need

The declining economy has impacted the lives of most residents in the city.

The onslaught of Covid-19 has resulted in many having lost part or all of their income, and the approval and implementation of the Polokwane Municipality’s Indigent Policy is one effort to assist residents in need with some relief in the payment of their municipal dues.

To qualify as an indigent household, a household’s total income may not exceed the sum of two times the amount of state-funded social grants plus two child grants currently determined by National Treasury, the account holder must be a permanent resident of Polokwane and the occupants of the household must be South African citizens.

The applicant may not be the registered owner of more than one property and the property may only be used for residential purposes.

In addition, the applicant may not necessarily be the owner of the property but could also be the occupier. This includes child-headed families.

The property value in which the applicant is residing should not exceed R1,5 million or the figure to be determined by council from time to time.

The subsidies are funded from the equitable share contribution received from National Treasury, plus an amount from the municipality’s own income. The subsidies are only granted to qualifying households provided that the funds are available for allocation.

Qualifying indigent households will receive a 100% rebate on the basic levy for electricity per month, 100% rebate on the basic levy for water per month, 100% rebate on the basic levy for sewerage per month and 100% rebate on the basic levies for refuse removal per month.

In addition, 100 kWh of electricity per month, that is consumed in urban and 50 kWh in Eskom supply areas, and 6 kl of water per month and a 100% rebate on sewer charge per month will apply.

The customer may apply in person at a customer care office of the municipality and proof of the account holder’s identity, the latest municipal account and proof of income should be submitted. Written proof of child-headed families or a letter of authority from a social worker or traditional leader or ward councillor where the property is situated is also required.

Bank statements for the past three months, sworn affidavits that the gross household income is less than the threshold and that the information supplied is true and all income is declared, are compulsory. Should the account holder be unable to apply in person, the application may be certified by a commissioner of oaths or a community worker. The municipality may publish the names and addresses of account holders receiving subsidies in terms of the policy for inspection and objection. Any person may inspect or scrutinise the list at a customer care office and notify the municipality of any person who, according to their true circumstances, should not be in receipt of a subsidy as envisaged in the policy.