‘Eskom pulling plug will force businesses to close doors’
DA to fight Eskom's plan to disconnect two West Rand municipalities.
Eskom’s intention to interrupt bulk electricity supply to Randfontein and Westonaria is of major concern and will further harm the already very low levels of economic development the DA’s Constituency Head Jacques Julius said.
These interruptions are scheduled to start on Friday 5 June and will affect electricity supply from 6am to 10am and 5pm to 9pm daily as well as from 7am to 10am and 5pm to 8pm over weekends.
“This harsh intervention will leave residents in the dark and destitute at crucial times of the day,” Julius said.
“Businesses will be forced to close their doors – ultimately increasing the already exponential levels of unemployment and poverty. Revenue raised through the sale of electricity should be ring-fenced for the exclusive payment of amounts owed to Eskom.
“Poor political leadership and governance has enabled this situation to spiral out of control. The situation in these two Municipalities is not new. It has been ignored by both the Gauteng Provincial and National government despite having a constitutional obligation, section 154(1), to assist struggling Municipalities to build capacity.
“The DA in Randfontein and Westonaria will petition the Minister of Public Enterprises, Lynn Brown and Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional affairs, Pravin Gordhan to halt this move and invoke section 154(1) interventions in both Municipalities.
“The DA remains committed to fight for adequate service delivery on the West Rand.”
Related article:
Bad news for R’fontein/ W’aria municipalities
