This is the crux of statements issued this week by Agri Letaba and the Tzaneen Chamber of Commerce as well as a multitude of letters addressed to the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM).
Continual power disruptions, untimely and unexplained breakdowns and poor service delivery and maintenance form the focal theme of complaints.
The power outages alone have started a chain reaction of events that could shut down the entire district.
The farming sector has already felt it.
With agricultural equipment rendered useless as well as large crop and produce losses, businesses and community members alike are outraged.
We are facing an enormous wave of job losses.
Spokesperson for the Greater Tzaneen Municipality, Neville Ndlala, has on occasion given feedback of particular occurrences in the crisis.
Sometimes the problem is a faulty transformer. Other times it’s the effects of heavy rainfall.
But complainants are encouraged to call the GTM call centre… Open 24 hours a day.
They are, however, currently experiencing high call volumes… so please hold.
Coincidentally, the overwhelming bulk of the GTM’s income is paid by electricity bills- specifically from the industrial and agricultural sectors. Some have threatened to stop paying their bills.
But the GTM itself is facing a significant financial beating. After lengthy correspondence with the municipality and several attempts to assist in implementing solutions, the community wants answers.
In response, a meeting was held today between the municipality and representatives of various sectors of the community. The outcomes of which will soon be disclosed.
Also read:
Tzaneen: ‘Ons is almal gatvol…”
TZANEEN: Lights out on Christmas day
