In a statement released by the Senior Manager: communication and SPU, Mrs Nokhanyo Zembe, it is reported that in an effort to promote access to Free Basic Services (FBS), the Umzimvubu Local Municipality has spent more than R700 000 on residents and households in KwaBhaca and EmaXesibeni.Â
The provision of FBS is in accordance to Chapter 9, Section 97 of the Local Government Systems Act,2000 (Act 32 of 2000), which stipulates the provision of indigent debtors should be consistent with it’s rates, tariff policies and any national policy on indigents must be included in the credit policy.
“Free Basic Services are Municipal services provided at no charge by the Government to the registered indigent within Municipal boundaries. Umzimvubu Local Municipality prides itself for being consistent with this initiative and commits to identify more indigent households. This programme has really positioned our rural communities to be in a place of privilege”, said Umzimvubu Mayor, Cllr Zukiswa Ndevu.
The statement further states that the annual initiative includes free electricity which amounts to 50 kWh per household and 20 litres of paraffin. The use of equitable share provided the National Treasury indends to subsidize the FBS initiative at Municipal level.
This allocation however differs from one Municipality to another. It depends entirely on the population of the Municipality. The higher the population, the higher the equitable share received, – said Zembe.
Communities are encouraged by the Municipality to apply by filling application form at the Umzimvubu Local Municipality before they are verfied for indigent status.
