ETHEKWINI Municipality Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda, launched the municipality’s social relief plan in KwaNyuswa, just outside Hillcrest to respond to the socioeconomic challenges brought about by the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
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The Social Relief Plan follows the announcement of the Economic Recovery Plan last week by the mayor, which seeks to provide some cushion for businesses and minimise the negative impact the Covid-19 outbreak will have on the economy.
“Combined, both these interventions will assist the most vulnerable in our society during this difficult period. Since the lockdown began, the city, working with the provincial government, NGOs and the private sector, has been assisting needy communities with food hampers and sanitisation products,” said Kaunda.
As part of the relief plan, the city will procure food hampers and vouchers to be distributed to 1000 indigent households in each ward, covering all 110 wards in eThekwini Municipality. Kaunda assured people there will be uninterrupted provision of water, electricity and refuse removal.
“Informal settlements and rural areas have been provided with water stand pipes, static tanks and ablution facilities.
“Local councillors, working with the city officials, NGOs, churches and other community structures have compiled a list of all beneficiaries.
“This list has been scrutinised by all relevant stakeholders to eliminate the duplication of government resources and ensure this support is provided to the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Kaunda.
According to Kaunda, the estimated cost of each food hamper or voucher is R600 per household and the municipality has set aside R66 million for this intervention.
Mayor Kaunda assured the public that there is a stringent process in place to ensure accountability and oversight.
“Proper documentation of all the beneficiaries will be maintained, thereby guaranteeing that food hampers and vouchers are distributed to the right people,” Kaunda added.
“As we have moved to stage four of the lockdown, we want to continue to urge the residents of eThekwini Municipality to respect the regulations of the lockdown. Our behaviour is key in the containment or spread of this pandemic,” said Kaunda.
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