Ekurhuleni Continues to Lend a Helping Hand through Social Packages
The City of Ekurhuleni continues to provide much-needed relief to the less fortunate members of society through its social package.
During the Budget Speech, tabled by Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance and Economic Development Cllr Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, it was shared that from 2016 the City 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 City is committing to providing a social package to the most vulnerable members of our society at a cost of R5.7 billion to the municipality in the 2021/22 financial year,” said Cllr Xhakaza.
The MMC further stated that the budget was one of the City’s efforts to lessen the economic burden of fellow citizens.
The social package has the following indigent relief programme:
- 100% rebate on assessment rates;
- Free refuse removal;
- First 50kWh of electricity per month is free;
- First 6kl of water and sewer per month is free;
- Special rates on emergency services such as ambulance and fire-fighting; and
- Free indigent burial.
Residents are encouraged to register at the indigent offices located in 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.
