VANDERBIJLPARK – Frustrated by its ever-growing multi-billion rand debt to power utility, Eskom, the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) has finally made real its threat to deal decisively with consumers who are not paying for electricity, and others municipal services, within its jurisdiction.
As millions of across the globe prepared for the Easter weekend, residents of CE 4 in Vanderbijlpark were on Monday 15 March 2024 left scratching their heads wondering when the power would be restored to their homes following the ELM’s decision to switch the power off to those who owed it thousands in outstanding payment.
The municipality is one of the five local authorities in the country which owe Eskom more than a billion rand – leading to the constant attachment of its account by the energy provider.
Some of the households in the areas are said to owe ELM in excess of R100 000, just for electricity.
ELM spokesperson, Makhosonke Sangweni, confirmed the municipality had undertaken a disconnection campaign in CE 4, further promising that more households with massive, long-term debts would also be switched off in the next few weeks.
Sangweni added that one of the municipality’s two disconnecting service providers, the Red Ants, was deployed to CE 4 since Monday 25 March 2024, marking the commencement of an intensive effort to address outstanding payments.
Recognizing the potential challenges inherent in such initiatives, the ELM ensured the presence of strengthened security measures to safeguard both municipal workers and members of the community due to the often-confrontational nature of such operations.
Some residents complained about the ELM’s move, claiming they had registered their displeasure about the veracity of their debts to the municipality.
“We have been told to approach the ELM when or if we are not in agreement with what is reflected on our accounts, which we did. Despite all that, the ELM decided to undertake their disconnections – even where there are disputes about the monies owed,” said one resident of Albu Street who chose to remain anonymous.
Others alleged some of the very same ELM officials who cut off their services later returned to, at a cost, illegally offer them massive discounts on the debts.
Sangweni said dissatisfied customers are welcome to raise their concerns with its dedicated team in the Revenue Department. “Customers who feel aggrieved by the handling of their matters are encouraged to seek further clarification and resolution at the Customer Care Department,” he added.
“In the strongest possible terms, (the) ELM advised against the non-payment of services for any reason, (due to the) … detrimental impact (of non-payment) on the municipality’s ability to fulfill its financial obligations. Notably, the municipality has been vocal about the challenges it faces in service delivery, many of which stem from unpaid bills,” he said.
Sangweni emphasized the crucial role of revenue collection in meeting debts and financial commitments to bulk suppliers, underscoring its overarching responsibility to deliver essential services to the residents of Emfuleni.
“The culture of non-payment, must be firmly discouraged and addressed,” he said.
