BuaNews (Tshwane)
Edwin Tshivhidzo
26 November 2008
Pretoria — Since 2006, the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality has spent R434 million on free basic services to poor households.
Addressing the media in Pretoria on Wednesday, the Executive Mayor of Tshwane Gwen Ramokgopa said the 43 366 residents in the municipality had access to piped water resulting in 97.1 percent of access to connected water.
According to the mayor, most people in the city are now able to access water in their homes or within a reasonable distance and 12 000 households have sanitation.
"We believe in people's rights to basic services," she said.
At least R3 billion was spent on infrastructure, said Ms Ramokgopa, acknowledging that the city was facing challenges on infrastructure development. Places earmarked for further infrastructure development are Mabopane, Soshanguve and Winterveldt.
In ensuring better healthcare, the city has spent R9 million on clinics, which are now able to operate on weekends.
The municipality launched a campaign to register indigent households in February this year and hopes to have registrations completed by the end of this financial year.
The provision of free basic social services by the City to eligible households is part of the broader social agenda and anti-poverty strategy of government.
To qualify, the household must earn a combined monthly income not more than the joint pensions of two old age state pensioners, or R1 700, and be unemployed.
Residents wanting to enquire about the indigent registration process can call: 012 358 4828/8753.
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