Stellenbosch Municipality held an emergency council meeting on 25 March to discuss the necessary steps that it will take to reduce the economic impact of the nationwide lockdown on the community.
“As a municipality, we have taken bold steps to reduce the economic impact on our residents, particularly our most vulnerable residents,” said Gesie van Deventer, executive mayor of Stellenbosch, in an official statement.
The emergency meeting followed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s national address where he declared a nationwide lockdown given SA’s current situation during the Covid-19 pandemic, on 23 March.
“We welcome the announcement of a national lockdown and we recognise the massive impact this will have on our already fragile economy,” said Van Deventer. “This is an unprecedented time for our municipality, our nation and indeed the world.”
Stellenbosch Municipality called an emergency council meeting to decide the steps which would be made to support the economic interests of the community during the 21 day nationwide lockdown. Photo credit: Stellenbosch Municipality.
The emergency meeting concluded that a payment reprieve on property rates will be implemented from 1 April to 30 June. No interest will be charged for property rates billed over this period, said Van Deventer, in the statement.
According to Van Deventer, the municipality will also allocate increased free basic water from 6 to 10 kilolitres per household from 1 April to 30 June, for vulnerable Stellenbosch residents.
“A temporary suspension of all credit control measures and procedures will be implemented until the end of April,” said Van Deventer. This includes electricity meters that were blocked because of overdue accounts – all residents will be able to buy and upload electricity freely during this period, said Van Deventer.
“Essential municipal services will continue during the lockdown period. This includes removal, water, electricity, traffic, law enforcement and fire services. Councillors, administrative staff and all officials who are not directly responsible for essential or emergency services will be working from home,” said Van Deventer.
Stellenbosch Municipality will continue to work with national and provincial counterparts to ensure that the implemented measures during the lockdown are enforced and that the spread of the virus is contained as far as possible, said Stuart Grobbelaar, Stellenbosch municipality spokesperson.
“Our Municipal Law Enforcement will be supporting the SAPS to ensure measures announced by the President are adhered to,” said Grobbelaar.
SA will go on a nationwide lockdown for 21 days with effect from midnight on Thursday, 26 March.
By Anke Nothnagel and Rebecca Pitt