City's housing offices' festive season operating hours

09 December 2020

The City of Cape Town’s housing offices will be closed on some days during the festive season. Due to the COVID-19 resurgence, customers should consider making use of convenient online payment options where possible. If it is necessary to visit an office, customers are urged to please make an appointment before heading off to the housing office. The rule: no mask, no entry strictly applies.

The City reminds customers of the closure of its housing offices during the festive season. On the days when they are operational, we will ensure all COVID-19 health and safety protocols are in place and adhered to for the safety of City staff and members of the public. If possible, make use of online services due to the COVID-19 resurgence and rising infection rate.

It is important that customers make an appointment before visiting an office. They may do so by phoning the relevant housing office ahead of visiting in person. This assists with managing high volumes, especially on busy days and helping us all to adhere to COVID-19 health and safety requirements. We thank our customers for their patience during this time.

Housing offices will be closed on the following days:

'Due to the reduced number of staff that are allowed to attend to customers at the same time to adhere to the COVID-19 regulations, it is possible that there might be queues. It is best to contact the housing office before visiting to see if the service request can be dealt with telephonically or to make an appointment. All counters may not be open at the same time to adhere to the COVID-19 regulations of enhanced hygiene and social distancing. It should be noted that offices are subject to rapid closure due to COVID-19 regulations when required.

‘Customers are reminded to only visit offices when absolutely necessary so that we continue to curb the spread of COVID-19 especially during this resurgence and the rapidly climbing COVID-19 infection rate. Only a limited number of customers will be allowed into the building at any one time and only customers who have made an appointment will be assisted. Social distancing rules are in place and only those wearing masks are allowed entry into our facilities. We thank our customers and tenants for their understanding,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Malusi Booi.

A number of transactions can be completed at the offices including:

• logging service requests such as maintenance
• applying for indigent relief grants
• making arrangements for debt repayment on accounts
• applying for transfer of tenancy
• signing of lease agreements
• applying to renew lease agreements
• the use of the free call lines in foyers

What to expect when visiting an office:

• COVID-19 screening at the entrances
• Limited number of customers allowed in at a time, if applicable
• Only customers wearing masks will be allowed entry into our offices
• Social distancing is required and must be adhered to
• Limited daily transactions, please make an appointment
• The elderly and disabled will be given preference

The City thanks its customers for contributing their fair share as income from rental payments is used to maintain the rental units. Those who are in financial difficulties must approach us. Hoping that debt will go away or ignoring the problem, is not the answer and there is help on offer. As a caring City, we make allowance for residents who are unable to pay to apply to the City for relief.

Those who are struggling to pay, are advised to make an appointment to visit their local housing office to enter into a satisfactory arrangement to pay off their arrears. It is then imperative that the amount due is paid regularly, each month, to ensure that the relief granted and the arrangement made is not cancelled and to avoid debt management action against customers.

For City-rental payments:

• Online: www.easypay.co.za or www.powertime.co.za
• EFTs: Select the City as a bank-listed beneficiary. Use only your nine-digit municipal account number as reference
• Retailers: Shoprite, Checkers, USave, Pick n Pay, PEP, Ackermans, Lewis, Top It Up, Woolworths and selected Spar shops
• ATM: contact your bank to add the City as an ATM beneficiary

Contact us:
Human Settlements Directorate’s Call Centre: 021 444 0333 or send a WhatsApp to 063 299 9927

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office