The metro has intervened to end the prepaid split metering impasse between residents of Ncala in Katlehong and Eskom.
The impasse, which had left residents in the dark for months, was caused by the residents’ rejection of Eskom’s Smart Prepaid Split Meters Programme that was intended to end electricity theft and illegal connection.
The smart prepaid split metering solution comprises of a meter and a customer interface unit (CIU) that is able to communicate with the meter remotely, enabling the customer to load electricity units and see a balance on the CIU without having access to the meter.
The metro’s intervention, which was done through mediation, community meetings and engagements with Eskom, has resulted in the residents accepting the smart prepaid split metering and restoration of electricity to the community by Eskom effective last Friday.
The introduction of smart prepaid split meters will result in the following benefits:
• Cost saving: Customers will be able to monitor and have control over their consumption and use their electricity more efficiently and sparingly.
• Improved customer service: Queries relating to electricity billing will be eliminated.
• Reduced theft and fraud: Smart meters have anti-tampering technology and tamper alarms which detect meter bypassing.
• Improved safety: Prevention of electrocution by illegal connection.
The metro’s community engagement approach to solve issues has also resulted in the municipality reaching an agreement with the communities of Dukathole and Slovo Park to re-block the settlements and install basic municipal services.
MMC for Human Settlements Clr Lesiba Mpya recently addressed the community of Slovo Park. Among the agreements reached with the community were that another section of the community comprising of 450 shacks will be relocated to identified land.
Both the relocated and remaining residents will have their settlements re-blocked, electrified and access roads created.
ALSO READ:
No job or tender is for sale in the metro
Residents warned of title deeds scammers in Ekurhuleni
The metro will work with the community through community representatives and community meetings.
MMC for Water, Sanitation and Energy Clr Tiisetso Nketle also addressed the community of Dukathole recently whereby it was indicated that the metro was in discussion with the owner of an adjacent piece of land for the de-congestion and relocation of some families to allow for the re-blocking of the area.
The residents appreciated that the metro was attending to their issues with urgency and consultation.
Re-blocking of informal settlements entails alignment of dwellings in a lineage format to create a space between them so that they are not congested to avoid shack fires and allow for quick access of emergency services, among other services.
Some of the other basic services that the metro will provide in these settlements are access roads, sanitation and water.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za
Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:
Or add the GCN on WhatsApp 079 406 1181 or BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137) today, to get all the latest news.
Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.
