Disadvantaged residents will now get free basic services (FBS) under the Expanded Social Package (ESP) Programme to assist them with paying for municipal services.
Due to the high level of unemployment in the City, there are many households that cannot afford to pay for municipal services. That is why the City of Johannesburg is offering free basic services (FBS) to vulnerable individuals under the Expanded Social Package (ESP) Programme, thereby ensuring access to basic services.
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According to the MMC for Health and Social Development, councillor Mpho Phalatse, the ESP poverty index income bands increased by 4,9 per cent, based on figures made available by Statistics South Africa for August. This revision was effective from 1 November.
For residents to qualify for this ESP Programme, they must be South African citizens, reside within the City’s boundaries, and have an income not exceeding R5 852,28 per month.
Application and registration process
Individuals must provide proof of income, a Sassa card and the last three months’ statements of all bank accounts they have. In the absence of these, a sworn affidavit must be produced, confirming no bank account or any other source of income. Other documents that must be submitted are an identity document; City of Joburg rates and taxes account; City Power pre-paid meter account number, or Eskom pre-paid electricity account number, or conventional Council account number; and Johannesburg Water account/ pre-paid account number (ITU number on the receipt). The benefits include water, electricity and other rebates such as rates, sewer and refuse for pensioner property owners whose property’s value does not exceed R250 000, or, for working-age adults, properties valued at less than R500 000.
Individuals will further qualify for referral for programmes and services offered by various City of Joburg departments, e.g. Skills Development, Social Service Interventions, Food Resilience, Youth Programmes, and Intervention Programmes for the Homeless.
The ESP rebate applies for a period not exceeding six months and thereafter requires renewal for continued benefits.Fourteen new ESP centres were opened, expanding the ESP footprint into clinics, as well as multi-purpose and skills centres.Registration centres in Roodepoort are Sol Plaatje Community Clinic at Sol Plaatje Durban Deep, and Davidsonville Community Centre, located on the corner of Minnaar and Campbell Streets, Davidsonville.
An additional 20 centres have been identified across the city, and are expected to open by the end of November 2018.
Phalatse said that she is extremely concerned about the lack of interest in the City’s ESP offering in some parts of the city. This in spite of the massive investment in outreach initiatives to ensure that the poorest of the poor are not excluded from these benefits.
“I would like to urge all residents who believe they qualify to come through with the relevant documentation and register. This could be your first step out of your current financial situation. As a caring City, we will continue to strengthen our commitment towards uplifting the lives of those who have been marginalised,” said Phalatse.
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