INDIGENT BENEFICIARIES ENCOURAGED TO USE WATER SPARINGLY
The City of Ekurhuleni urges beneficiaries of the indigent programme to carefully monitor and limit their water consumption to the allocated free basic package.
Currently, indigent-registered households are granted 10 kilolitres (kl) of free basic water and sanitation per month, while “deemed indigent” households, based on property value, receive 6 kl per month. However, the city has observed that many households exceed these limits.
According to the City’s Indigent Policy, any monthly account will be credited only for the indigent relief granted, and this support should not exceed the actual monthly service billing. Should a household exceed their free basic water and sanitation allocation, they are responsible for paying for the additional usage.
The policy further stipulates that those residents who do not pay their full monthly municipal account by the due date, will have their outstanding amounts considered in arrears. Any debt incurred beyond the provisions of indigent policy and free basic services, is the responsibility of the approved indigent or deemed indigent account holder and will be subject to Credit Control and Debt Collection procedures.
To secure payment for arrear accounts, the municipality may restrict services. Water restrictors will be installed on properties where indigent consumers exceed their allocation and fail to pay. Bi-annual inspections will be carried out to identify unauthorised water use, such as tampering with restrictors.
Violations of the City of Ekurhuleni Water Services Bylaw through unauthorized water usage will result in billing according to tariffs and may lead to legal action. The City reserves the right to pursue legal remedies for bylaw contraventions, damages to infrastructure, and any resulting losses.
Tips to avoid exceeding the monthly water allocation limit include:
- Fixing water leaks promptly;
- Using water-efficient appliances;
- Avoiding car washing with a hose pipe; and
- Take shorter showers.
The City of Ekurhuleni reminds indigent residents to use only their allocated free basic water and sanitation to avoid additional charges.