[Council Speech]: Report Regarding Indigent and Other Debts Written off During 2021- 22 Financial Year — Quarter 4. A- F 44- 2022
by Cllr. Ivan Naidoo — DA Spokesperson on Finance
Date: 26 August 2022
Release: Immediate
Note to Editors: The following statement is a speech that was delivered by DA Spokesperson on Finance in Ekurhuleni, Cllr. Ivan Naidoo, during an Ordinary Council Meeting held on the 25th of August 2022.
Thank you Speaker.
All protocol observed. Happy women’s month to all the powerful women in the house and to all the female residents in the city. You are the power and leaders in every household and community, keep up the strength and dedication.
Firstly. Speaker we welcome the report. In 2006 the indigent policy was introduced, to provide relief to residents, especially the poor. This measure has assisted countless residents, however it is still not reaching the targeted beneficiaries as effectively as it should.
Having said that speaker it is important to note that as a city we are far from our target in registering all those who qualify to be indigents. This is for various reasons, and it is great to note that the Coalition Government is taking this matter seriously, hence policies have been amended to ensure that we give our people what they deserve.
Speaker, there are few matters of concern, such as those who are identified as deemed Indigents need to be registered as indigents should they qualify and meet the criteria. Not only will this help us in budgeting for the city but also it will give relief to the residents and ensure that they qualify for the benefits as stated in the policy, which is, the 50KWh free electricity, 6kl water, rebate on rates and taxes.
The Democratic Alliance, recommends that the City considers technology and mechanisms to place a cap on water and sanitation use, so that indigents do not exceed their monthly allocation as provided. This will go a long way in preventing the abuse of free basic services and will ensure that the City does not find itself heavily indebted while providing this service. It will also ensure that indigents are not deprived from the free basic services as offered.
Further the DA recommends that the City embark on more roadshows and communication efforts to encourage residents, especially those that cannot afford register for change of status to indigent.
We welcome the report and give heads up to this administration in all they are doing to ensure that households that qualify for the free basics service are given their due.
I thank you
Cllr. Ivan Naidoo
DA Spokesperson on Finance
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