Customers were invited to an information session by Enpower Machite and GMM about the proposed Bethal and eMzinoni substations.
However, those who were in attendance wanted other answers.
The meeting saw its share of darkness when, as usual, the power went off in Bethal.
Electricians from both GMM and Enpower Machite walked out when faced with heated questions from the public.
Ziyaad Dangor, media spokesperson for Becs said: “Enpower Machite walked out in the meeting and never answered any of my questions.”
In his first question, Dangor referred to Enpower Machite being appointed by GSDM without the interference of GMM.
“Enpower Machite is to take over for five years with no interference by GMM and after five years they need to hand over the infrastructure to GMM.
“GMM’s electricians are supposed to work under Enpower Machite, that is how the contract was set up but now it has changed,” said Dangor.
He claims Enpower Machite cannot work on the infrastructure of Bethal because GMM electricians, with the backing of their union, have stopped the process.
“Already they are in breach of contract. Enpower Machite is operating on a 50% level and they are not going to work on the infrastructure because they are not allowed to do so. So they are not telling the truth to the people of Bethal,” said Dangor.
Dangor also asked why GMM is still involved in the electrical issue if the contract was given to Enpower Machite for five years.
“When we went to the first lot of meetings, we were told that Bethal’s money would be ringfenced and that money collected from Bethal would be paid towards Eskom on old money owed and also on the current usage and that Enpower Machite would also get a percentage of that. All of a sudden that has changed and our money is still going to GMM,” said Dangor.
He said once again it is not true that Enpower Machite would take over.
Dangor claims Enpower Machite did not answer a question about “bullying tactics” by forcing residents to put in new pre-paid meters.
“We understand that the meters need to be inserted, but Enpower Machite is bullying the public by being rude and threatening to cut off the electricity they are not allowed access to at certain times,” said Dangor.
He said the working-class people are unable to take leave when Enpower Machite comes to install pre-paid meters.
He also said there have also been instances when Enpower Machite failed to show up for appointments.
There are also complaints that when the electricity goes on and off on the new meters, units are being lost, but according to Dangor, Enpower Machite said proof needs to be shown.
“How must we provide proof? Must we install cameras on our meters?”
Dangor alleges the new meters do not seem to work in solar-powered households.
“Meters are being installed by people who have solar power in Bethal. They have been bypassed because the meters are tripping the entire solar system. Enpower Machite is not admitting to this,” said Dangor.
He referred to two neighbouring houses where one has solar power and the other does not.
“For the past week and a half, the solar-powered house had been bypassed because this problem cannot be resolved,” said Dangor.
Another huge concern is for insurance purposes.
Dangor said that insurances ask for a COC certificate if work has been done on one’s electrical infrastructure.
“If Enpower Machite is taking off your old meter and installing a new meter or working on your line, they need to issue you with a new certificate.
“Why must the owner of the house pay R2 000 to get a new COC certificate?
“If something burns down and you do not have a COC certificate, the insurance will not payout. Enpower Machite had no answer for us,” said Dangor.
He also accused GMM’s electrical engineers of not wanting to work together with Enpower Machite which, according to him, is a breach of contract.
“They are keeping Bethal in the dark. GMM runs the infrastructure and Enpower Machite runs the meters and they don’t want to work together.
“How are they going to go forward in life?” asked Dangor.
Dangor also explained that on a consumer’s utility bill there are charges for basic electricity and then for using the grid.
When purchasing pre-paid electricity on the old system of R1 000 one would receive R1 000 worth of electricity.
“With the new meters, they first take off the basic tariffs from your first purchase of the month and then give you electricity for the balance of the amount. But you are not supposed to be charged now by GMM on the utility account.
“Enpower Machite says we must go to GMM and request the credit and the public is saying Enpower Machite needs to ensure that it is taken off the GMM system because they are working with GMM.
“Why must the paying public take time off work to try and resolve this issue?
“GMM and Machite are unable to work together and once again the public has to suffer.
In the meeting, a GMM electrician was asked why a case had not yet been opened after local CPF members had recently caught and apprehended cable thieves.
“The GMM electrician chose not to answer the public on this matter and walked out of the meeting.
“The meeting was fruitless. They need to recall this meeting at the correct time with the correct apparatus.
“How can Enpower Machite begin a meeting by saying that if we have any questions about GMM’s infrastructure they will take their stuff and walk out.
“How can you treat the public like this? We are paying for these people!” concluded Dangor.
