The City’s finance sectors have been busy with preparations to resume services as per the COGTA regulations released last Thursday, 07 May 2020. These clearly state that municipal operations pertaining to finance services are deemed essential and will continue on Level 4 within the prescribed framework. This will entail one third of staff returning to work on a rotating schedule and will be implemented on a phased basis starting with the banking hall at Florence Mkhize Building (FMB), Anton Lembede Street.
The national level 5 lockdown declared in March due to the COVID19 pandemic had a devastating effect on the finances of the City. With an almost R1.5 billion loss from March, the City expects an even lower return on revenue as many consumers are still being affected by reduced or complete loss of income despite the opening of businesses and industry on level 4.
The City’s Finance cluster has taken every measure to ensure it is in full compliance with the regulations set by government and all affected units have been prepared accordingly for staff returning to work.
Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda says, “The health and safety of staff is a priority and all occupational health and lockdown regulations; protocols and guidelines will be strictly adhered to. A thorough inspection of our offices by health authorities accompanied by representatives of labour and Human Resources was undertaken to ensure compliance of our state of readiness.
All issues relating to risk mitigation undertaken by Occupational Health and Safety regarding personal protective equipment, point-of-entry screening, isolation areas, screens, cleansing and cleaning of buildings, sanitizing points and social distancing have been addressed. Plans have been submitted to representatives of Labour, the Mayoral Covid team, Human Resources and the Provincial Covid 19 Committee,” he added
The following service will resume as during normal office hours as of 13 May 2020:
- Revenue
- Property Rates
- Clearance Certificates
- Call Centre
- Customer Services in a phased approach starting at the banking hall FMB
- Credit Control
- Accounts Management
- Legal processes
The Municipality will also automatically renew rebates for the following beneficiaries:
- Senior Citizens
- Medically boarded
- Child headed household
- Disability grantees
Customers are urged to make use of all remote services available for payments and queries to reduce the risks for both staff and public.
All revenue queries can be submitted via the correspondence link: http://correspondence.durban.gov.za:200/
The Municipality calls on those needing to visit the offices to please adhere to the rules of social distancing, wearing a face mask and sanitising your hands.
