The City of Cape Town, through its Urban Management Directorate and Public Participation Unit, this week launched an Indigent Grant Campaign Drive which will be going to different areas across the city, to inform residents about the indigent relief available to qualifying homeowners as well as to facilitate the registration and application process. The aim of this awareness campaign is to encourage as many qualifying residents as possible across the metro to apply for this financial assistance, because everyone can do with a little help. Read more below:
The City has a comprehensive indigent policy and also a rebate system for pensioners. R3,4 billion rand in relief is available to qualifying and registered indigent customers. Currently, more than 40% of Cape Town’s residents benefit from some level of financial rates and services relief.
‘The uptake of indigent support among our residents remains relatively low. We are therefore embarking on another Indigent Grant Campaign to increase the number of residents getting rates and services relief. The campaign will include the distribution of pamphlets, sessions with community based organisations and loud-hailing in specific areas,’ said Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Management.
The indigent support package empowers vulnerable residents by helping them with municipal bills, debt arrangements and alleviating the financial burden in these tough economic times. Thus far, the registration drive has been well attended, with many homeowners being successfully registered as indigent residents in areas such as Avondale in Atlantis and Beacon Valley in Mitchells Plain. Over the coming weeks, wards across the city will be visited to encourage qualifying residents to register for the help that is on offer.
‘As a caring City, we are encouraging residents to make use of the financial support on offer. Through this indigent campaign, we are able to bring services to the community and provide beneficiaries with personal assistance by taking them through the registration process and capturing their information accurately. With these engagements, we want to ensure that all qualifying residents successfully apply for the assistance that is available. This is in addition to the R4,1 billion the City is offering as a debt write off incentive for historic debt. We also continue to assist residents and businesses that have been severely affected by Covid-19 and the lockdowns. Entering into a formal payment arrangement is key. Residents and businesses in need of support should please contact the City to see if they are able to enter into a formal payment arrangement agreement. These agreements are interest free,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Alderman Ian Neilson.
Residents are encouraged to visit their nearest municipal walk-in centre and complete an application form to see if they are eligible for the benefits. Residents may also contact their ward councillor or subcouncil office to apply.
Source: City Of Cape Town