During the past week the Mogalakwena Municipality (Mokopane) disconnected the electricity and water of several businesses, government departments, households and parastatals (semi-government institutions) with outstanding debt.
Operation Tima, will continue seven days a week until residents pay up.
The municipality has, according to a press release, previously issued warning letters to consumers that action will be taken to ensure the payment of accounts. Numerous attempts to contact account holders with outstanding balances have apparently been made, but the municipality says they received little response.
During the operation, it was discovered that a large number of houses and businesses were illegally connected and had not been paying for electricity for years. Those households were disconnected immediately. The municipality said they will be penalized and a criminal case will be opened against them.
One hotel, four lodges and bed and breakfast venues, two large supermarkets, five government offices, and several businesses’ water and electricity were disconnected.
On their Facebook page, the municipality issued a dire warning: if you have bridged your meter or have an outstanding bill, we are coming for you.
The aim is to drive home the message that if you don’t pay for the services you consume, credit control measures will be implemented without fear or favor against you.
