| Rollout of prepaid electricity meters continues | The City of Cape Town is continuing to roll out its R40 million replacement programme to convert old electricity meters to prepaid meters | <p>The areas which will be upgraded next include Bellville South, Manenberg, Bonteheuwel, Langa, Crossroads, Steenberg and Hanover Park. The programme has been running across the city for the past seven years.</p><p>The meter replacement programme is free of charge to residents. The order in which areas benefit is determined based on the number of electricity meters in need of replacement. The programme is currently being rolled out in several different areas across the city. For the programme schedule, please visit <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/electricitymeters">www.capetown.gov.za/electricitymeters</a></p><p>Council recently decided that the meter replacement programme be declared mandatory to improve revenue collection and to reduce future maintenance costs.</p><p>‘Our meter replacement programme has many benefits for residents. A prepaid meter puts the power in the homes and hands of the customer as it enables them to have more direct control over their usage and household budgeting is made easier as the meters show consumption clearly. It helps to eliminate the chances of month-end electricity account shocks. The chance of electricity supply being cut off due to non-payment is also eliminated and the risk of meter failure is reduced when a prepaid meter is installed.</p><p>‘One of the biggest advantages of switching to a prepaid meter is that it enables qualifying customers the opportunity to move to the subsidised Lifeline Tariff. This makes it possible for them to access financial aid and free units. This will help to keep monthly household utility costs down and provides some much needed assistance to our more vulnerable residents.</p><p>‘It is also important that the City invest in the maintenance and replacement of older electricity infrastructure to thrive and become more resilient. Credit meters are more than 30 years old and require replacement to avoid inaccurate readings.</p><p>‘Contrary to some of the urban myths that exist, electricity is not more expensive via a prepaid meter. It actually enables customers to limit or reduce their usage directly and manage their household expenditure. We encourage customers to join others in making the switch and reaping the potential rewards,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy and Climate Change, Councillor Phindile Maxiti. </p><p><strong>How it works</strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">A contractor appointed by the City will do a mail-drop at each targeted customer’s address once that area is reached requesting that they make an appointment at a time convenient to them. </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Once the appointment has been made, a reference number will be generated. If residents have not received a mail-drop or are in any doubt as to whether this is a legitimate City project, they can contact the City’s call centre on 0860 103 089.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">When the municipal worker or contractors arrives at a resident’s home, they must carry a work order number specific to that dwelling and a City-issued identification card. Residents should ask to check the official identification card before allowing anyone onto their property.</div></li></ul><p>‘The identification card must display the City logo, the name and surname of the staff member or mandated contractor, and must contain an embedded photo of the staff member or mandated contractor. Residents are not to allow anyone onto their premises until they have verified these details. Our residents should always be vigilant when allowing anyone into their homes,’ said Councillor Maxiti.</p><p>The new prepaid meter will be located outside on the street, with an in-house display inside the customer’s home. Locating the meter outside the premises allows the City easy access to the meter. </p><p><strong>Common myths busted about buying electricity</strong></p><table width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;"><strong>MYTH</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;"><strong>TRUTH</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">You should buy units on the 1st of the month if you want to get the full free units, otherwise the amount you get drops throughout the month.</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>You don't have to buy on the 1st of the month to get free units. </strong>Free units or free basic electricity is only applicable to customers on the Lifeline Tariff. Two free allocations are applied depending on the average level of consumption: an allocation of 60 units if you use less than 250 kWh per month on average OR 25 units if you use between 250 kWh and 450 kWh per month. Free units are granted on your first purchase of every calendar month, irrespective of when that is.</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">You should buy units on the 1st of the month because the rate per unit increases as the month goes on. </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>It isn't cheaper to buy on the 1st of the month. </strong>The City has an inclining block tariff which is refreshed every month, so if you only purchase in the first block, you pay the same amount; the higher cost of the second block kicks in once you reach the threshold of the first block.</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">You should buy as many units as you can in one go as they are cheaper in bulk. </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Buying in bulk is not cheaper! Only buy what you need! </strong>You should only buy what you need in a given month – this will keep your costs down. When buying in bulk, you move onto the second block for units above the monthly usage threshold, which is more expensive. So, buying in bulk can be considerably more expensive.</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">You should rather make many small purchases in the month so that you stay within the cheapest block rate with each purchase.</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Many small purchases could cost you more! </strong>The rate applied on each purchase is dependent on previous purchases in the month (i.e. it accumulates). Once the first block is bought up, you automatically move to the second block irrespective of the number of times you made a purchase.</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Monthly totals are based on how much you use, not on how many units you buy at a time.</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>It is about how many units you buy. </strong>Prepaid meters are not intelligent meters. The meter merely accepts tokens and then reduces as the units are consumed. When buying electricity at a vending station, our computer server determines what has been bought previously in the month and what block rate to apply to the purchase of electricity for the given amount.</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">You pay more per unit when you use electricity in winter months or during peak hours in the evening.</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>The price is the same no matter the time or season.</strong><br> Residential tariffs do not differ according to the time of the day or the year when electricity is consumed.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><strong></strong> </p><p><strong>End</strong></p><p><br></p> | 2020-10-21T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City engages with local business owners about economic recovery plan at soft launch event in CBD | The City plans to host several small events in the coming weeks and months as part of the Cape Town CBD revitalisation programme. | <span><p>‘As the City we have to assist in reversing the economic decline through whatever means possible, which is why we have put together five workstreams aimed at various elements of our recovery plan. We are also supporting event organisers as much as we can to ensure that the events sector recovers. This is critical for thousands of people who rely on this industry to make a living and take care of their families.</p><p>‘The City plans to host several small events in the coming weeks and months as part of the Cape Town CBD revitalisation programme. These events will be organised in line with the national lockdown restrictions and with the health and safety protocols in place,’ said the City’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato.<br></p>
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<img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/soft%20launch1.jpg" alt="" style="width:876px;" /> </figure></span><span><p><strong>Earlier this month the City announced its economic recovery plans which includes the establishment of five workstreams:</strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Regulatory reform, which is looking at innovative policies that can enable businesses to operate in a safe and attractive manner;</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Precinct management with a focus on various initiatives to address the crime and grime in the area;</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Collaborative partnerships to bring all stakeholders together to ensure buy-in and participation for all these interventions;</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">An Events and Activation workstream that is putting together an exciting programme of events to attract people back to the CBD;</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">An occupational density workstream that considers the medium to long-term changes that will occur as a result of the changing work patterns and how the City can help the CBD adjust to this new normal.</div></li></ul><p> </p>
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<img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/soft%20launch2.jpg" alt="" style="width:850px;" /> </figure></span><span><p><br>‘These interventions will provide a blueprint for other sub-councils to employ in their own commercial centres thereby bringing life back to all our centres of economic and social interactions, in a safe and responsible manner,’ said Mayor Plato.</p><p>‘The past seven months have been difficult for all our residents, particularly for entrepreneurs and small businesses. They’ve been faced with challenges, and now it’s time to show our support and solidarity in supporting local artists and businesses through drawing foot traffic into the CBD. I am seeing to it that the City’s Events Department plays a leading role in this as it always has. There is also clearly a renewed energy required to tackle the crime that is creeping in again post lockdown. I think the precinct management programme will go a long way towards brings all the right role players together to make a meaningful impact,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.<br><br>‘The Enterprise and Investment Department has rolled out our business retention and expansion programme designed to help business in distress as well as assist in expanding current operations. Working closely with other key departments, we are attracting foot fall to the CBD to drive demand. There is a compelling case for why local and international businesses should either expand or invest in our CBD based on the sound infrastructure, connectivity and accessibility the area offers. Just last week I announced the roll-out of the first intervention in terms of regulatory reform. Restaurants will now have the opportunity to expand their operations onto the sidewalks in front of their establishments thereby growing a flourishing pavement economy that supports business and jobs. Restaurants and other business establishments are encouraged to submit their applications,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, Alderman James Vos.<br></p>
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<img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/soft%20launch3.jpg" alt="" style="width:776px;" /> </figure></span><p>Local artists provided some welcome entertainment at a free open air concert during the engagement with local business owners yesterday. Among the many artists and DJs who performed were SAMA Awards nominee Jarred Ricketts, Winner of 2020 Cape Town Expozed and Idols contestant Serrano Johnson and the Delft Big Band, a vibrant 18-piece band with a vast repertoire.</p><p><strong>COVID-19 measures for the event include:</strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">The venue is sanitised throughout the duration of the event</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">One entry point with a registration process</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">The venue allows 500 people and a queue system will apply</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Safety distance per family/couple or member of the public will apply</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">No mask, no entry</div></li></ul><p> <br> <br><strong>End</strong><br></p><span></span><span></span><span></span> | 2020-10-21T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City launches fourth edition of the Mayor's Portfolio of Urban Sustainability, 2020 | This hub of knowledge is intended to guide City project managers on the process and practice of incorporating sustainability principles in the City’s decision-making and service delivery | <p>This hub of knowledge is intended to guide City project managers on the process and practice of incorporating sustainability principles in the City’s decision-making and service delivery. The Mayor’s Portfolio is a key implementation tool of the City’s Environmental Strategy and seeks to showcase how the City is mainstreaming sustainability thinking in project planning and implementation. This is underpinned by the City’s commitment to pursuing a long-term approach to development.</p><p>Cape Town is increasingly confronted with highly complex urban challenges. Yet, the City is committed to pursuing a sustainable future for Cape Town and building a city that is more inclusive, safe, resource efficient, and resilient in the face of increasing shocks and disturbances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in our climate. </p><p>Addressing urban challenges and realising these long-term desired outcomes requires a transition towards sustainability in the City’s approach to service delivery and project implementation – a systems approach, that acknowledges the complexities we face. </p><p>The twenty projects featured in this edition provide a snapshot of the innovative thinking and creative approach to sustainability that the City is driving across line functions. This publication further revisits 10 projects profiled in previous editions of the Mayor’s Portfolio, in order to reflect on and explore sustainability lessons that may inform the City’s journey towards sustainability.</p><p>Each project profiled in this edition serves as a unique case study, and hence a learning opportunity, related to demonstrating and mainstreaming sustainability. In general, the projects selected seek to address socio-economic and environmental issues in an integrated manner, are innovative and original, demonstrate collaboration and partnership building, and encourage replication.</p><p>‘Sustainability is a lens that informs and guides the City’s approach to service delivery, governance, planning, decision making, and implementation. A number of the projects, such as the Borcherds Quarry wastewater treatment plant faecal sludge management facility, provide examples of context specific innovation and sustainability solutions tailored to our local context. </p><p>‘Various behaviour change projects profiled, such as the Strengthening Families Programme, are designed to improve public awareness while building capacity for sustainable change within our communities. Some projects demonstrate how the City is leading by example, as a call to citizens to actively partner with the City in pursuit of a sustainable city, whereas others highlight such a partnership approach,’ said the City’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato. </p><p>Furthermore, this edition features four projects that contribute to enhancing Cape Town’s water resilience, demonstrating the importance of an integrated approach in responding to a crisis such as the recent drought.</p><p>Finally, while the Mayor’s Portfolio focuses on City-led projects, it also highlights that collaboration, partnerships and engagement, with academia, civil society, the private sector and Cape Town’s citizens, are critical for realising sustainable change. </p><p>‘The projects showcased in this edition highlight that sustainable change is only possible through a collaborative approach between City departments and partnerships with other organisations, as well as continuous learning. The Dunoon Library, for example, is the result of long-term collaboration between the City of Cape Town, provincial and national government, and a range of other stakeholders. This resulted in a high-quality learning facility for community members. The building is energy and water-efficient, and incorporates natural materials, natural light, and vegetation in highly innovative ways. The Dunoon Library demonstrates the highly effective use of design to promote learning, restore dignity and improve community well-being. Similarly, other projects profiled in this edition highlight the ways in which the City is actively pursuing sustainable development,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.</p><p>The pursuit of a sustainable future for Cape Town requires building resilience, innovation, maintaining responsiveness, and nurturing a culture of openness and learning. To this end, as part of the broader Mayor’s Portfolio programme, we are committed to supporting our project managers in identifying and implementing solutions to sustainability challenges. The City of Cape Town will provide and expand on opportunities for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and partnerships, underpinned by the overall goal to co-create a sustainable city, for current and future generations.</p><p><strong>The Mayor’s Portfolio of Urban Sustainability can be downloaded here: </strong><a href="http://bit.ly/CCT-MayorsPortfolio2020" target="_blank"><strong>http://bit.ly/CCT-MayorsPortfolio2020</strong></a></p><p><br><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2020-10-21T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Necessary system upgrade to City's e-Services over the weekend | The City’s e-Services will not be available and it will effect online transactions and the submission of development applications. | <p></p><p>The City’s e-Services will not be available and it will effect online transactions and the submission of development applications. Conveyancing attorneys will also be unable to process online rates clearance certificates.</p><p>The upgrade to the system is required and is being done over the weekend to limit the impact on customers as much as possible. </p><p>There will be some services that the City will be offering manually at the customer care walk-in offices which are usually open on Saturday mornings. Customers will be able to make payments and they will also be able to be reconnected if acceptable payment has been made. It is important that they bring their municipal invoice to avoid delays.</p><p>The City’s Motor Vehicle Renewal offices which are open on Saturday mornings and those at Liberty Promenade Mall, Mitchells Plain, and Table Bay Mall, Sunningdale, which are open on Saturday and Sunday mornings will be open as normal as they work on the National Traffic Information System and not on the City’s online services system SAP. </p><p>For any water or electricity emergencies during this period, please contact the Call Centre on 0860 103 089 and choose option 2 or 3. </p><table width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;"><strong>Services offered over the weekend</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;"></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Yes </strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>No</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Account payments (please bring municipal account)</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">e-Services</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Payments of reconnections (please bring municipal account)</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Account queries at offices or via City Call centre</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Emergency water- and electricity-related service requests</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Applications for rates rebates</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Motor vehicle renewals, licencing and registration transactions</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Applications for indigent benefit</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Customer care walk-in centres limited services and assistance</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Online motor vehicle licence renewals </td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"> </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Applications for debt management payment arrangements</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">C3 notifications (limited but emergency water and electricity services will be attended to)</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"> </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Online rates clearance </td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"> </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Online submission of building plans and land use applications </td></tr></tbody></table><p><br></p><p><strong>For more information about the customer care offices please visit </strong><a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-City-facilities/Our-service-facilities/Walk-in%20centres" target="_blank"><strong>http://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-City-facilities/Our-service-facilities/Walk-in%20centres</strong></a></p><p>The City sincerely apologises for any inconvenience.</p><p><br><strong>End</strong> </p> | 2020-10-21T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
