In preparation of the national lockdown that takes effect at 23:59 on Thursday, 26 March 2020, the City would like to inform the public of the closure of more non-essential services during this period.
City’s contact centre
The City’s contact centre will have a limited telephone service.
Residents are requested to please log their service requests via SMS, email, or online as far as possible.
Furthermore, services will be limited to water, sanitation, and solid waste and reconnections only.
The contact centre will still operate 24/7 to ensure we attend to queries related to essential services.
The contact details are as follows:
- Email – [email protected]
- SMS to 31373 (max. of 160 characters)
- Phone 0860 103 089
- Online – go to www.capetown.gov.za, click on ‘City Connect’ and choose the applicable option, for example to report a fault
Electricity services
The only service that will continue to be offered will be first line response to network faults and breakdowns. Repairs that are imperative from a safety perspective will be prioritised. Repairs on streetlights will be done only if, after an assessment, it is deemed a safety risk for the community or electricity staff.
For faults and emergencies please send an SMS to 31220, or email [email protected] or [email protected]
Customers can buy prepaid electricity via your cellphone or online. Please register on one of the following websites first:
- Electricity.co.za (EFT)
- Prepaid24.co.za (EFT, Receive token via sms and email)
- Power24.co.za (EFT, Receive token via sms and email)
- EasyPay (Credit cards)
- ibuy (Credit cards)
- Ontec (Credit cards)
Meter electricity meter readings
No meter readings will be done during this period.
Billings will be based on estimations done over the lockdown period compared to the usage over the same period in 2019. After the lockdown period, normal billing procedures will resume.
Driving License Testing Centres
The City’s Driving License Testing Centres will be closed to members of the public from the end of the working day today, Wednesday, 25 March 2020.
Persons with driving or learner license test appointments during the lockdown period will be contacted after the lockdown ends to arrange new test dates.
Furthermore, any person whose driving license or PrDP expires at the end of March 2020, will be granted a reprieve. However, they are encouraged to apply for renewal as soon as the lockdown is over.
Staff have been sensitised to the issues regarding expired licenses during this period.
Motor Vehicle Registration offices
The City’s Motor Vehicle Registration and Licencing offices will be closed to members of the public from the end of the working day today on Wednesday, 25 March 2020. Extensions will be granted and no penalties will apply over this lockdown period.
Revenue/cash offices for municipal account payments
Customers must please continue to pay their monthly municipal accounts via EFT and online options that are available.Payments are crucial to enable the City to remain financially healthy and to continue providing services, while we all fight the COVID-19 pandemic together.
If you have any further enquiries or need assistance with the settlement of the debt, reconnections or how to make payments, please phone 0860 103 089.
For indigent assistance please send an email to [email protected].
Please use the following convenient payment options:
- Online payments: Visit www.Easypay.co.za or www.payCity.co.za
- EFTs: Select the City of Cape Town as a bank-listed beneficiary on your bank’s website. Use only your nine-digit municipal account number as reference
- For convenience and peace of mind, you may pay your account at any of these listed vendors while doing your essential lockdown shopping: Checkers, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Spar and Woolworths
Please note:
- Billings will be based on estimations to avoid huge bills when readings are finally done. Estimations will be done over the lockdown period and compared to the same period in 2019.
- Invoices will not be printed and posted, but previous invoices could be used to pay an equivalent amount, but invoices could be emailed if customers request it via email at [email protected]
- Please use eServices or register for eServices for a host of online City services, including invoices or billing amounts: http://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Register/eservices-and-municipal-accounts/Register-for-a-municipal-account or http://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Register/eservices-and-municipal-accounts/Register-for-e-billing
Human Settlements Directorate – projects and housing offices lockdown arrangements
All housing offices will be closed to members of the public from the end of the working day today, on Wednesday 25 March 2020
Housing development projects will also be suspended to adhere to the national lockdown. Any engagements with consultants and contractors will be done telephonically or online.
Only emergency housing services, such as with public housing, will be continued in person with all necessary hygiene and social distancing COVID-19 requirements in place.
Public Housing tenants – emergency
Should you be experiencing an emergency such as a burst water main or geyser, among others please send a WhatsApp to 063 299 9927, please provide the correct details to be assisted timeously. Such emergency services will be the only service requests attended to.
Housing Database, maintenance, housing related queries:
WhatsApp: 063 299 9927
- Update of housing application details
- Housing database queries
- Housing maintenance complaints
- Housing-related queries
Email: [email protected]
- For all housing database queries
SMS: 44108
- SMS your ID number with one space followed by your surname to 44108 to check your housing application status.
Housing Database online applications: https://web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/HWL2012Online/ to complete an application form.
Account payments – rental
- Go to your nearest Pick n Pay, Shoprite or Checkers shops to pay your municipal accounts when you are able to do so. Please note enhanced hygiene and social distancing measures in effect.
- Account payments remain vital to help the City function during this time. The City is dependent on rental income for the maintenance of its rental stock. Please help us by paying your dues to help us function and fight COVID-19.
Newlands and Bradwell Springs
The Newlands and Bradwell Springs will be closed effective from midnight Thursday (23:59), 26 March 2020 during the 21-day lockdown, in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Given that these sites attract many people who use this untreated water as an additional non-potable (non-drinking) water source, it is important that this restriction is effected to support social distancing efforts and reduce the risk of transmission, particularly during the lockdown.
Signage in this regard will be placed at the sites. This restriction will be reviewed as the situation changes. The City will continue to ensure safe, reliable drinking water that meets SANS241 standards is provided to households.
End
Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town