Eskom addresses Soweto residents’ concerns
Eskom shares winter plan with the residents of Soweto through the media.
The Soweto Media Session for Eskom which was held last week brought up mixed emotions and concerns which were addressed by the parastatal’s representatives.
The media session was attended by stakeholders like Nkosana Sibuyi and Vusi Cele among others, and they were all oozing with facts and optimism with one purpose in mind, to share the Eskom’s winter plan with the residents of Soweto through the media.
Firstly, Sibuyi who is the communications and stakeholders manager in the Gauteng Operating Unit explained through his presentation that Eskom’s entry point in any area in Soweto is always through the designated councillor and urged the people who consider themselves poor or could use the help to register with the Expanded Social Package (ESP) to receive help from the government.
Sibuyi said, “We do experience power cuts and this is mostly caused by the overloading of the transformers and in some other senses it is caused by illegal connections and sometimes electricity theft but because of our commitment at Eskom to empower the world at all times and we strive for continual security of electricity supply at all times.”
Sibuyi continued to express Eskom’s awareness of electricity interruptions during the winter season and how they have laboured to minimise this as much as possible, and how they have been working together with the media and close with the communities to keep residents in the loop.
“We have developed a Eskom Winter Plan that outlines different plan and strategies we have in place that will ensure speedy solutions to problems and technicalities.”
Vusi Cele the sector manager eloquently presented Eskom’s detailed presentation on what has been happening in Soweto and what will unfold.
Cele outlined Eskom’s plan on upgrading some cables to avoid future technicalities, and how security is often put in place in the areas that are known as hotspots for theft.
Cele said, “People should always contact Eskom when technical agents offer them dodgy connection deals because when Eskom finds an illegally connected house, the owner will be fined R6000. This is a national fine.”
Sibuyi explained as well how residents who chose the meter boxes will have their Eskom Electricity bill wiped if the meter box is never tempted with, bridged and the prepaid is purchased at a recognised service provider.
Illegal connections can be reported at 086 003 7566, at the Eskom’s offices and at the local police station.
