Eskom cracks the whip
Eskom took a decision to continue with the previously communicated interruptions
In spite of several meetings as well as ministerial and provincial government interventions, Msukaligwa Municipality could not avert the long-pending interruption of bulk electricity supply.
Eskom issued several notices of its intentions to interrupt the supply of electricity to the municipality and invited written representations and comments from the public.
After a string of meetings, the last one on 3 February, where the municipality presented its reviewed repayment plan to the power utility, Eskom went on to release a final notice of their final decision to interrupt the bulk electricity supply to the municipality from next Thursday (16 February).
Along with other municipalities indebted to Eskom, Msukaligwa Local Municipality was given until the end of January as per a request from the Minister of Public Enterprise, Ms Lynn Brown. to make the necessary arrangements for the repayment of the outstanding debt.
Unfortunately, conditions set by Eskom, which the Highvelder had not received by the time of going to print, had not been met by the municipality and the power utility company took a decision to continue with the previously communicated interruptions.
The interruption of bulk supply to Msukaligwa will result in temporary scheduled disconnections at these times: Monday to Friday from 06:00 to 08:00 and again from 17:00 to 19:30 and on weekends from 08:30 to 11:00 and 15:00 to 17:30.
Eskom has further notified the municipality that they may upon 15 calendar days’ notice disconnect electricity entirely and indefinitely should the the electricity debt situation not improve.
Msukaligwa Local Municipality owes Eskom more than R139 million and more than R440 million is owed to the municipality by consumers.
EFF Msukaligwa coordinator Mr T. Soko said as an organisation they are disappointed with the municipal leadership, as this problem has been there for some time and the leadership failed to deal with it.
Mr Soko said there was no political will from the municipality to resolve the matter and attributed most of the problems the municipality is facing to corruption.
Several members of the community voiced their anger on various media platforms and others suggested that the community should now buy directly from Eskom.
Eskom also warned parties likely to be affected by the the interruption to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of lives and to limit damage to their equipment, operations and businesses.
