Electricity issues to the fore in Ekurhuleni

1.I live in Leondale and I went to buy R100 of electricity yesterday. I was charged R5.88 per kilowatt hour, which is ridiculously high given that Eskom will sell the same electricity for about R1.76. This is a rip off and now you are really drawing blood from a stone.

We cannot afford to pay the fees that the municipalities demand. Must we all go and live in RDP houses and shacks? Phinda Ndabula

Mayor Masina: The issue of energy is a major priority for the city. Our primary focus is to implement our strategy for alternative and renewable energy. This is to limit our dependence on the national grid, improve security of energy and play our part in limiting greenhouse emissions.

We have, in the past, stated our objective of consolidating an energy mix that will see about 10% of our overall electricity supply being generated from renewable energy. Key to this achievement will be the pooling of 10MW of renewable power by 2021.

Our long-term strategy is to build a local power station that also draws in independent power producers, particularly in renewable energy. This will go a long way in expanding and guaranteeing our long term energy security.

2. Are you aware street lights are on during the day? That’s wasting electricity. Pass a bylaw that councillors should be responsible to see streets are clean and lights work properly in their ward.

They earn R45 000 per month for a part-time job and do very little. Delivery, delivery, delivery … as promised by you. Ernest Waner

Mayor Masina: Street lights normally have a set time for going on and off, given the cost of electricity. Kindly forward details to our customer care so that we can take it up.

3. Dear Mr Masina. We are having major problems with electricity that fails without any explanation from the city, especially in Katlehong North. When it happens, even in the mornings, it often takes longer than three hours to be restored.

This affects us badly, as we can’t cook or bath in the morning. It happens even on warm days. Please address this issue before people take to the streets to demand answers. Mike, Katlehong

Mayor Masina: We have also noted that the problems with electricity escalate in winter. We are working tirelessly with Eskom to address this ongoing matter. I have also alluded to long-term strategies the city has embarked on to find alternative energy solutions (see Phinda’s question).

4. Mr Masina, please ask your sanitation department to address the sewage problem at Modder East (Eastvale). We are literally living with faeces on our doorstep every day.

Mayor Masina: The matter has been escalated to our customer relations team.