The Local Development and Economic Civil Association (LDECA) has condemned the City of Johannesburg’s ongoing irregular billing practices, load-reduction and smart meter installation, calling them “tools of blackmail” against residents.
The LDECA board members are chairperson Barry McKue, secretary Riyaan Salie, treasurer Abdine Kladine, Zelma Moffett and Tshepo Monaiysa.
Salie said the current measures punish law-abiding and indigent households already struggling to meet basic needs.
ALSO READ: Joburg plans to upgrade housing across parts of the city
“We demand an end to these punitive practices and a focus on upgrading infrastructure and addressing illegal connections,” said Salie.
The LDECA criticised City Power for not investing in electricity infrastructure, leading to overloading and outages.
The organisation has requested a public protector investigation and is liaising with the city and City Power to address billing issues, illegal disconnections and the controversial R200 surcharge.
The recent suspension of load-reduction in Eldorado Park is a positive step, but the LDECA demands that extension to all 80 areas it represents.
“Paying customers should not bear the financial burden of City Power’s inefficiency,” Salie said.
ALSO READ: Dobsonville residents frustrated with electricity crisis
The LDECA submitted a proposal for smart meter installation, conditional on safeguarding community interests. It reaffirmed its independence, distancing itself from political parties.
“We value the newly elected mayor and MMC’s dedication to improving city services. We will continue to advocate for fair electricity practices and hold authorities accountable,” Salie said.
Concerns and demands
The concerns include irregular billing, load-reduction, the smart meter surcharge, infrastructure neglect and illegal connections. The LDECA demands an end to load-reduction, infrastructure upgrades, addressing the illegal connections and investigating City Power’s practices and smarter billing solutions.
The MMC for finance in Joburg, Clr Margaret Arnolds, said they are committed to addressing the city’s financial challenges, including incorrect billing, illegal disconnections and outstanding debts.
“I will engage with the stakeholders in the city’s finance and billing departments to gather the required information and insights on these matters.
[Waiting for response from Joburg City Power]“After these engagements, I will revert to you with proposed dates and times for a meeting to discuss these issues in detail and explore potential solutions,” said Arnolds.
