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What residents need to know about the Council-approved new water metering approach

Over the coming months, the City of Cape Town will be implementing its revised approach to domestic metering, which encourages residents to manage their own water usage

Over the coming months, starting 1 July 2021, the City’s Water and Sanitation Department will begin the process of releasing volume-restricting water meters to ‘open flow’. Registered indigent households will no longer have a Water Management Device (WMD) with a daily volume of water allocated to the property, but will need to take responsibility for ensuring the amount of water used at the property remains within the newly increased monthly limit of 15 000 litres (15Kl). Gradually over time, WMDs, the meters capable of restricting volumes of water allocated on a daily basis, will be replaced by conventional meters, when the WMD reaches the end of its expected lifespan. Remaining stock of WMDs will be installed where meter replacements are required, but set to ‘open flow’, during the transition period.This approach formed part of the changes to the Tariff Policy as per the 2021/22 Tabled Budget that was approved by Council.<table width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:100%;">Customers who qualify for indigent benefits</td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default"><ul><li>Existing WMD meters will be set to 'open flow', over time with effect from 1 July 2021. It will not happen immediately for all meters and will be done in phases. Customers will be notified of changes to the settings. These customers will now be required to keep their monthly water use within a limit of 15 000 litres per month (which is an average of 500 litres per day) as approved by Council. </li><li>Water and sanitation will be provided at no charge to indigent properties, but water usage on the property may not exceed 15 000 litres per month (daily average of 500 litres).</li></ul><ul><li>As leaks on private plumbing will be counted by the meter as part of usage, property owners must act quickly to fix leaks. Households should check their monthly bills and usage each month for any significant spikes or high monthly usage as an alert to underground leaks. (The City will still assist with once-off fixing of leaks on the indigent property where this has not been provided previously). See 'find and fix leaks' guide at <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/savewater" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za/savewater</a> </li><li>If water usage on the residential property is higher than 15 000 litres a month (daily average of 500 litres) for two consecutive months, a warning letter will be sent asking for the usage to be lowered to required levels by the following month. </li><li>If usage is higher than 15 000 litres a month (daily average of 500 litres) for a third consecutive month, despite the issued warning, then a flow restricting disc will be inserted in the meter to limit water supply to a trickle flow.</li></ul>These discs are designed to allow 6 000 litres (6kl) per month to the property, which is aligned with the free basic allocation provided for in South Africa's national water standards. This disc will remain in place for the following 12 consecutive months. After the 12-month period has passed, the disc will be removed and the same process for the property will start again.<ul><li>Customers who are currently exceeding the usage limit will be informed early in the new financial year (from July 2021) to ensure further awareness of the new procedures and allowing for change of behaviour during the first two billing cycles within the new financial year before warning letters are sent to customers.</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table> ‘The City will continue to support registered indigent residents with monthly water allocation at no charge, while promoting active management of that allocation. As indicated above, the volume of water provided to qualifying indigent households is being increased, and they have the opportunity to independently manage their monthly water usage, and play an active role in the collective effort to avoid wastage and maintain a sustainable level of water use.‘Residential property owners with tenants (including landlords with backyard tenants) should pay close attention to collective/ overall water usage on their property, and ensure it remains below the approved limit. This is the responsibility of the property owner. ‘Going forward, residents will be equipped with the necessary information to help them manage their water usage including knowing how to read their water meters and how to identify and fix leaks,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Waste, Alderman Xanthea Limberg. Visit <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/savewater" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za/savewater</a>View the Budget here: <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/budget" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za/budget</a>Visit <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Financial-relief-and-rebates/Individuals/Apply-for-indigent-rates-relief" target="_blank">https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Financial-relief-and-rebates/Individuals/Apply-for-indigent-rates-relief</a> to apply for indigent relief. End

2021-06-21T22:00:00Z

Sharp rise in infections should spur increased adherence to protocols during third wave

The City’s Health Department confirmed that as at 18 June 2021 the metropole has recorded 191 624 cases since the start of the pandemic with 3 724 cases reported in the last seven days

The City’s Health Department confirmed that as at 18 June 2021 the metropole has recorded 191 624 cases since the start of the pandemic with 3 724 cases reported in the last seven days. This is a 68% increase in new cases recorded and it clearly shows that the City of Cape Town is experiencing the third wave of Covid-19 infections. Currently, there are 7 627 active cases of which 698 cases were diagnosed in the past 24 hours.The City is recording a sharp increase in cases in the Eastern and Southern Health Districts and urges all residents to maintain non-pharmaceutical interventions to protect themselves from the virus. Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain Health Districts have not recorded a significant increase in active cases, however, we have noted an increase in Covid-19 testing at Public Primary Healthcare Facilities, which might change this picture soon.Vaccinations conducted in the metropole amount to 250 726 across all vaccination sites. ‘It is in the interest of everyone to adhere to the national regulations and wear a mask at all times when in public places. Wearing a mask not only protects yourself, but also your loved ones and fellow citizens, as well as those who share public spaces and public transport. We have seen a steep increase during the past week and we should all adjust our behaviour accordingly’, said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien. Unfortunately, the third wave coincides with the school holiday and wet, cold weather. Being in closed spaces with little ventilation increases the risk of spreading Covid-19. We encourage parents and families to avoid indoor gatherings during the school holidays and try to take activities outdoors as much as possible. If one needs to be indoors due to bad weather, try to keep as much air flowing through the room by opening windows (and dressing warmly!). Keep gatherings small, with your immediate family rather than with bigger extended families or large groups of friends. All residents over the age of 60 are encouraged to register for their Covid-19 vaccine. The below table shows the suburbs with the lowest number of residents aged 60 and older who have registered for vaccination thus far.<table width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;">Town/suburb</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;">Population aged 60+</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;">Persons registered</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;">% of elderly registered</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Klipheuwel </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">298</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">17</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">5.71%</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Nomzamo</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">3 545</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">289</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">8.15</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Philippi</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">15 429</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">1 263</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">8.19</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Fisantekraal</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">1 323</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">112</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">8.46</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Mfuleni</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">3 557</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">669</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">18.81</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Pella </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">304</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">29</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">9.53</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Imizamo Yethu</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">672 </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">75</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">11.16</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Delft</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">15 979</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2 216</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">13.87</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Crossroads</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2 142 </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">357</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">16.67</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Mfuleni</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">3 557</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">669</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">18.81</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Blackheath</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">6 648</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">1 203</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">18.10</td></tr></tbody></table> Those who have not yet registered on the electronic vaccine data system, are encouraged to do so using the following options:USSD free service: dial *134*832# OR send the word “REGISTER” to 0600 123 456 on WhatsApp OR visit <a href="http://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/" target="_blank">http://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za</a> Please note: Vaccination sites are scheduling clients three to seven days in advance. This may mean that your SMS confirmation may take some time to be sent, as it is dependent on venue capacity and vaccine availability. As additional resources become available, the waiting time should decrease. Please wait to receive your SMS notification , confirming your vaccination date, time and venue, rather than opting for a walk-in service. This will reduce queues and ensure Covid-19 protocols are observed. End

2021-06-21T22:00:00Z

Vandalism behind recent sewer overflows in Gatesville

Residents are advised that vandalism to valves at the Athlone Wastewater Treatment Works is behind the sewer overflows currently occurring in Hazel Road and Ashraf Avenue, Gatesville

Residents are advised that vandalism to valves at the Athlone Wastewater Treatment Works is behind the sewer overflows currently occurring in Hazel Road and Ashraf Avenue, Gatesville, and the increase in sewer overflows in the area last week. Currently the Cape Flats 2 sewer main is out of service for planned maintenance. The damage from attempted theft last week caused a problem with closing the valve which stops sewage from flowing into this system. Furthermore, the thieves caused the valve which control flow into the treatment works to become stuck in the closed position. The City has planned the sewer network in the area to have plenty of spare capacity, but with one main sewer already out of commission, this was not sufficient to contain overflows when valves were damaged. Teams managed to restore valves to working order on Friday, however the period of downtime for the valves caused foreign objects to build up in the surrounding pipes, creating stubborn blockages which staff are still working to clear. Currently, City teams are vacuuming sewage from the mixing chamber in Hazel Road and the overflowing manholes downstream to try and minimise the overflows. In the interim, the public is advised to please avoid contact with the overflowing sewage as far as possible due to avoid health risks. ‘This is yet another example of how theft and vandalism of public infrastructure can impact the health and well-being of our communities. We call on anyone with information on who could be behind this to report it to SAPS,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Waste, Alderman Xanthea Limberg. End

2021-06-21T22:00:00Z

City clinic closed after fatal shooting

The City of Cape Town’s Gugulethu Clinic is temporarily closed after a fatal shooting earlier today.

The City of Cape Town’s Gugulethu Clinic is temporarily closed after a fatal shooting earlier today.The City’s Law Enforcement and South African Police Service are on scene and details are still emerging.The incident occurred during the attempted robbery of the company tarring the parking area of the facility.It is not yet clear whether the person who died was a client or employed by the contractor.Patients who were inside the facility at the time will be assisted and trauma counselling will be provided to both staff and patients.Our Health staff have become the targets of hijackings, robbery and abuse. This latest shooting is in addition to the incidents that have already taken place at Weltevreden Valley Clinic, Crossroads 1 and Mzamomhle clinic. The clinic has security guards but the facility remains a public place for those in need and should not have to be subjected to criminal activity.It is appalling that the lives of the very people who serve our communities and who have stayed standing amidst a pandemic, are disregarded.Nurses and doctors are the fabric that hold us together during this trying time and to put their lives at risk, especially now when we need them most, is condemned in the strongest terms.The closure of the clinic is temporary while we allow for SAPS to conduct their investigation and facility staff to receive trauma debriefing, and again it is our most vulnerable who suffer. Elderly residents, those who are ill, mothers and babies who need medication and life-saving vaccines have been deprived of a facility even if it’s for a short time.Patients can access services at the Vuyani and Masincendane Clinics for their healthcare needs.I call upon all residents to help protect the facility and our staff members who deliver critical services. As we enter our third wave it is crucial that residents are able to access health care services closest to them. Anonymous tip-offs welcomed: Residents can give anonymous tip offs if they are aware of illegal activity, such as illegal connections or unlawful occupations, that are taking place; that has happened or is still to happen. Please call 112 from a cell phone (toll free) and 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 for emergencies End

2021-06-21T22:00:00Z

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