Mogalakwena muni: Come clean on illegal connections

MOKOPANE- The town’s electrical infrastructure is old and it is only with the cooperation from those residents who owe the municipality service charges, that the Mogalakwena Municipality is able to maintain many of the existing structures. This was announced by the Mayor, Ngoako Taueatsoala during his recent State of the Municipality address (Soma), where he said the municipality is in the process of addressing certain issues.

He also mentioned that the electricity network has been severely compromised in such a way that it is easy for residents to tamper and get connected to the grid illegally. “We are experiencing high volumes of bypass connections, and we are offering consumers the opportunity to come to the municipality to rectify the situation. Those who come forward before the meter audit will enjoy the benefit of not being charged a fine,” he said.

He adds the municipality is in the process of purchasing electricity meters, maintaining the substations and network infrastructure and trimming tall trees along the power lines.

“But for the maintenance, the municipality needs the cooperation of the community. Outstanding accounts must be settled so that we have the capacity to undertake this project.”

He said the municipality came up with an incentive scheme that will help them in terms of collecting revenue and improve services.

The incentive scheme comprises the following categories:

All municipal commercial consumers who are struggling to meet their arrangements or obligations will be provided with relief in the form of a discounted payment arrangement as follows:

Debt older than 90 days will receive the following discount:

• 10 % discount on payment offer of 25% outstanding debt, without interest on arrears.

• 15% discount on payment offer of 50% outstanding debt, without interest on overdue debt.

• 20% discount on payment offer of 75% outstanding debt, without interest on overdue debt.

• 35% discount on full settlement offer of outstanding debt, without interest on overdue debt.

Taueatsoala says that the debt relief programme exists to encourage debtors to pay for services.

The municipality intends to show appreciation to the paying customers whose accounts are up to date, he said.

“In this way, consumers with accounts that have been paid up to date will receive 10% discount for two consecutive months. The municipality aims to provide sustainable electricity solutions to grow the economy and improve the quality of life of all people. Working together has never been more important. For us as community leaders, who drive development and create sustainable communities, we want to work together with your cooperation to meet the challenges,” concluded Taueatsoala.