MBOMBELA – Despite Eskom’s notice to flick the switch, the City of Mbombela Local Municipality (CMLM) is adamant that the public will not experience a dark Christmas.
The CMLM spokesperson Mr Joseph Ngala said it has already started paying their debt.
“When the notice was issued we were already in talks with Eskom. The notice was issued three weeks ago, if we were not dealing with the matter they would have already issued a schedule for power interruptions,” said Ngala.
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According to the municipality, the public can relax.
Eskom said they still have enough time to pay their debt and avoid a dark Christmas.
Mr Khulu Phasiwe, Eskom spokesperson said if an agreement is reached and they honour it they will not experience power interruptions.
“CMLM still has time because their power interruptions are scheduled to start December 19.”
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This follows after Eskom released a notice alerting the public about the possibility of bulk-electricity-supply disruptions due to non-payment of its debt.
The notice stated that CMLM’s breach of its payment obligation to Eskom undermines and places in jeopardy Eskom’s ability to continue the national supply of electricity on a financially sustainable basis.
Meanwhile, eMalahleni Local Municipality has submitted a small payment to try and avoid power interruptions. “The money is not enough to cover the amount needed although it is enough to keep their lights on for now. We will continue to monitor them,” said Phasiwe.
Thaba Chweu Local Municipality is the only municipality still experiencing power interruptions in Ehlanzeni region. Last week they managed to reach an agreement with Eskom to decrease the two hours that were recently added.
They are reverting to two hours in the morning and two in the afternoon.
“We are working towards solving the Eskom issues and slowly we are winning. We, however, apologies to our communities and appreciate your understanding during these trying times,” read the statement.