THE City has registered close to 60 000 indigent beneficiaries on its database in both rural and urban areas, thanks to its indigent policy.

The policy seeks to ensure that all people earning less than R1 880 a month are registered and receive free basic services. The indigent registration campaign, Operation Xhamla, kicked off on 27 January at Kwetyana Hall in Kwetyana Village, and will run until March 30.

Officials are in full swing throughout the City raising awareness and registering eligible people, including in Mnqesha, Ndevana, Pefferville, Mbekweni, New Rest, Qongqotha, Nompumelelo and Tolofiyeni.

Indigent beneficiaries do not have to collect application forms; instead the City officials are visiting communities to avoid the possibility of qualifying indigents being excluded because they were not informed.

"The City is embarking on a vigorous campaign to ensure that its communities, especially in rural areas, get free services," reads a media statement issued by the City.

According to the statement, contributions made by the City include R224,94 towards the municipal account of each registered indigent customer. "They will receive full services, including rates, sewage, fire levy, water and refuse collection.

"This includes six kilolitres of water worth R24,88 and 50kwh of electricity worth R20,25 free each month."

The indigent policy also looks at underdeveloped areas like informal settlements, rural areas and places with high levels of poverty. Requirements for qualification include:

• The applicant must reside at a fixed property;
• Have a valid South African identity document;
• If married, the applicant's spouse must have a valid identity document;
• Affidavit for the unemployed;
• Payslip if employed;
• Meter box number;
• Bank statement or pension card; and
• Signature of the ward councilor.

Commenting on the purpose of the campaign, municipal spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya said: "This campaign also responds to the City's vision that steers it to meet the basic needs of our people in a safe, healthy and sustainable environment."

He also spoke about fraud, saying strategies had been put in place to prevent fraud. "To prevent people from defrauding officials, we have Buffalo City indigent investigative officers who will audit applications before approval."

The City also advised that government officials, business people and people who earned more than R1 880 a month could not apply for indigent benefits.

"As the City we are committed to uprooting corruption, hence we are also verify afterwards and double check the successful applicant and reverse the status of those illegally registered and recover every cent," reads a media statement.