VANDERBIJLPARK. – An application has been issued against Eskom. It seeks to review and have Eskom’s decision to cut electricity to Emfuleni district set aside.
The application was issued by the attorneys of Emerald Resort & Casino in conjunction with the Golden Triangle Chamber of Commerce, GTCoC. Mark Hands, Resort Director at Emerald Resort & Casino says: “We would like Eskom’s decision to implement the upcoming power interruptions, scheduled to take place later this month, reviewed and set aside on the basis that Eskom’s decision is unconstitutional, unlawful, irrational and unreasonable.
“Our communities and local businesses in the Vaal area are wholly dependent on Eskom for their power and to be without it would be disastrous financially,” he says. We are simply standing up for local businesses and citizens in our surrounding areas. “We would like Eskom to realise that its decision is legally unsustainable and in the process we want to ensure that jobs and industries are safeguarded. Additionally, a complete termination of electricity supply will lead to a shutdown of the water and sewage networks!”
“By opposing the shutdown, we hope to assist the entire Emfuleni district to mitigate a situation that may impact the safety of individuals in their daily lives. As an example students will not be able to study without proper lighting and the community at large needs electricity for daily tasks,” says Hands. In its court papers, Emerald and other businesses in Emfuleni have proposed to Eskom that the end-users of electricity pay directly to Eskom. This proposal is made as an alternative to the current situation where the end-user pays directly to the municipality, which, in turn must pay Eskom.
According to Eskom’s current decision, Emfuleni makes no, or insufficient payments to Eskom, to cover its outstanding debt.
* Eskom’s website states that the proposed shutdown is scheduled to commence on 24 August 2018. The areas in Emfuleni district to be affected include Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, Sebokeng, Boipatong, Tshepiso, Sharpeville and Evaton.
