Saving the lights

The Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality is working round the clock to ward off threatened power disruptions by Eskom.

The bulk power supplier published a notice expressing its intension “to commence with the interruption of bulk supply” on Friday 6 September.

The municipality owes Eskom R430-million.

Modimolle-Mookgophong Mayor Marlene van Staden moved swiftly, assuring residents the High Court had granted the municipality an interdict, which prohibits creditors from taking steps against it.

She said the ruling had been made in terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act.

In a notice published in Die Pos/The Post newspaper last Friday 23 August, Eskom indeed acknowledged that it had suspended electricity disruptions following a court order.

The power utility said the order was valid for 90 days, with effect from Tuesday 26 June during the year 2018.

“According to the notice published on 29 June 2018, Eskom indicated that it may resume with electricity interruptions if Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality fail to honour any terms and conditions that the parties may enter into,” the notice explained.

Van Staden said there were steps taken to improve the municipality’s finances, in order to pay creditors, among these the “ring fencing of electricity revenue in an escrow account from which Eskom will be paid.”

She said the implementation of a financial recovery plan approved by the Limpopo provincial government, as well as the sale of municipal assets “not essential to the delivery of services,” to
raise funds to pay some of the debt.

“We have already met with our legal representatives and will keep residents informed about our action plan, to stop the proposed interruptions,” she added.

— The BEAT