Poor to get free water

For immediate release 02 JUNE 2008 Poor people from rural and urban areas of Ugu District who have private water connections and are unemployed or earn less that R2 000 will benefit 12kl of free water per month. This was announced by district Mayor Cllr Sthembiso Cele during his budget speech, as Council approved the R861 million budget for the 2008/2009 financial year. According to Mayor Cele, Council was responsive to the needs of the poor and had noted that living conditions were becoming even tougher, given the economic conditions in the country and internationally. “The recession experienced by the US markets, rocketing oil prices and the rising cost of food and commodities have placed a huge burden on our people. “The reality is that we are part of the global village and we need to reflect this in our thinking and planning”. He said it is against this background that Council decided to increase the allocation, from 6kl to 12kl. In order to provide for this relief, Mayor announced that an R8,8 million has been set aside in the budget and very soon, the municipality will roll out a campaign to register all those households who qualify for this rebate. ISSUED BY: UGU DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY For more information and media queries contact: Brian Fikani Dube Mobile: 079 525 7177