CITY of uMhlathuze ratepayers will this month receive their 10% rebate for rates, refuse, sewer and water services.

The Covid-19 relief, which was promised by City Mayor Mdu Mhlongo in March, will reflect on customers’ statements for May.

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This has been effected to ease the burden on property owners and ratepayers who have been negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the sluggish economy.

Residents who are categorised under first billing which is eSikhaleni, eNseleni, Vulindlela and surrounding traditional areas, have already received their monthly statements reflecting the 10% rebates.

For ratepayers in areas such as Richards Bay, Empangeni, Ngwelezana and surrounding traditional areas, will receive their bills reflecting the rebates, from Monday.

Other relief measures announced relate to the water basic charge, approved to start at ten kilolitres which is currently charged at R28.32 excluding VAT.

This means all residential customers with a consumption below 10 kilolitres will not pay water basic charge. This will, however, only take effect in June.

Council is also in the process writing off certain debts as stipulated in the credit control policy.

‘We are aware of the dire economic situation everybody is in and worsened by the pandemic. Some people no longer receive the income they did before, while some have been retrenched and are now applying to be categorised under our indigent policy.

‘We agreed as council that 10% could make some difference if merged with the increase of free water,’ said Mayor Mhlongo.

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