HIGHVELD – Eskom said in a statement it is going to intensify bulk power supply interruptions to the Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) from Monday, 16 April.
This came after the council apparently failed to honour the repayment plan agreement entered into with Eskom in January.
Also read: Darkness looms once again for Govan Mbeki Municipal residents
The municipality owes Eskom over R500 million and R13 million for bulk electricity supply, part of which has been outstanding and has been escalating since 2003.
The power utility said the municipality’s breach of its payment obligation to Eskom undermines and placed in jeopardy Eskom’s ability to continue the national supply of electricity on a financial sustainable basis.
It stated that in terms of both the provisions of the electricity regulation Act, 4 of 2006 and supply agreement with GMM, Eskom is entitled to disconnect the supply of electricity of defaulting municipalities on an account of non-payment of electricity debt.
Eskom said in order to protect the national interest of the sustainability of electricity supply, it has become necessary for Eskom to exercise its right to disconnect the supply of electricity to GMM.
The contemplated interruption of electricity supply is as follows:
* From 16 to 22 April from 6am to 8am and from 5pm to 7.30pm. Over the weekend from 8.30am to 11am and in the evening from 3pm to 5.30pm.
* From 23 to 27 April from 6am to 9am and from 5pm to 8.30pm. Over the weekend from 8.30am until 12pm and in the evening from 3pm to 7pm.
* From 30 April the power cuts will be from 6am until 8pm during the week and weekends until the municipality pays.
Eskom said they may, upon 15 days’ notice, disconnect electricity entirely and indefinitely should the electricity debt situation not improve.
Secunda, eMzinoni, Bethal and eMbalenhle are the municipal areas to be affected.
Eskom advised those who are affected to take all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of lives and to limit damages to their equipment, operations and businesses.
Ms Thandi Ngxonono, executive mayor, told councillors on Wednesday, 28 March during a council meeting that the municipality is off the Eskom red zone because Council is servicing its account.
The Economic Freedom Fighters raised their concerns about the Eskom debt at the same meeting and said the municipality should give Eskom full responsibility over the distribution of electricity.
Mr Sibusiso Hlolweni, president of the Sakhisizwe Progressive Movement, said an alleged notice from Eskom was circulating on social media platforms stating that Eskom will cut the power.
“If this letter is truly from Eskom and if we are indeed going to be affected by load shedding, it will mean Ms Ngxonono was lying to the council and bringing the institution into disrepute, a serious misconduct that will not be forgiven.
“Through all these challenges, it must be remembered that Sapromo filed a motion about a year ago to advise the council to relinquish its right to distribute electricity within the jurisdiction of Govan Mbeki Municipality.
“The motion was openly opposed by the ANC.
“It must also be remembered that Sapromo submitted a motion against the current mayor. This motion was also rejected by the ANC. This is a clear indication that the ANC is not serious about the wellbeing of the residents of the municipality.”
Ms Thandi Ngxonono, executive mayor, said Council has not received any notice from Eskom about power cuts.
“We are not aware of that notice and according to my knowledge, we have paid Eskom a lot of money last week, however I will communicate with them to find out what is happening.”
Also read: UPDATE on electricity problems in Secunda
