Every year with tabling the Draft Budget the municipality also assesses their indigent support policy in an effort to help ease the financial burden on households who are struggling to survive.
According to Drakenstein Municipality the source of funding for indigent support is derived from the portion of the equitable share contribution to the Municipality from the national government’s fiscus and as provided for in the budget.
“The municipality realises many of our residents are suffering from difficult financial circumstances, and understands this,” explains Bradley Brown, Chief Financial Officer at Drakenstein Municipality. “That is why we also continue to assist eligible indigent households in terms of our approved Indigent Support Policy.
For the 2023-’24 financial year the total monthly household income thresholds for residents to qualify to apply for indigent status are as follows:
Category A: R 0 to R4 450 per month
Category B: R4 551 to R4 950 per month
Category C: R4 951 to R6 200 per month
Category D: R6 201 to R6 500 per month.
electricity
Basic electricity charges will be subsidised only for qualifying indigent consumers with a 30-amp connection. Those with a higher amp connection will receive no subsidy.
Category A and B consumers will receive 85 kWh per month and category C and D consumers will receive 50 kWh per month.
Consumers in old-age homes receive 50 kWh free per units per qualifying indigent resident, credited to the home’s account.
WATER
Qualifying indigent consumers that exceed 20 kl of water per month and are in arrears may have an automated flow restriction apparatus fitted to their water supply.
Category A, B, C and D consumers will receive 6 kl of water free per month. Monthly basic charges for a 15 mm water connection will be subsidised. Where there is more than one structure (backyarder) on the property, the indigent households will be allowed to apply for a further subsidy. Consumers in old-age homes receive 6 kl of free water per qualifying indigent resident, credited on the old age home’s municipal’s account.
According to the policy, in the instance where the indigent consumer experiences any water leakages or their water meter is stolen, Council may replace stolen water meters or repair basic water leakages within reason on the property of indigent consumers.
property rate
Property-rate rebate to a maximum property value of R700 000 for category A, B, C and D consumers. The property-rate rebate of R700 000 includes the normal property-rate rebate provided by the municipality to all other residents of the municipality. Property rates related to the property value above R700 000 will be due and payable by the consumer.
refuse
Category A consumers qualify for the full monthly refuse removal subsidy; Category B consumers qualify for 80% of the monthly refuse removal subsidy; Category C consumers qualify for 50% of the monthly refuse removal subsidy; and Category D consumers qualify for 20% of the monthly refuse-removal subsidy.
sanitation
One toilet levy per month will be subsidised. Basic charges per month equivalent to an erf size 550 m² will be subsided. Category A consumers qualify for the full monthly sanitation subsidy; Category B consumers qualify for 80% of the monthly sanitation subsidy; Category C consumers qualify for 50% of the monthly sanitation subsidy; and Category D consumers qualify for 20% of the monthly sanitation subsidy.
