The Eskom debt is a staggering R2-billion.
The municipality just cannot foot the bill. In August R26-million was paid to Eskom, September R45-million and in October R31-million. This is only a drop in the bucket.
“The power utility has threatened to switch off power to all residents and business irrespective of whether anyone is paying for services or not,” said Mr Kingdom Mabuza, municipal spokesperson.
It is now public knowledge that this matter became a subject of litigation process.
However, the court granted an order that other higher spheres of government should intervene and assist the municipality to draft a realistic Financial Recovery Plan.
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“We’re in the process of drafting that plan and we have been given 90 days to finalise IT,” Mabuza said.
Part of that plan is to stabilise the Eskom debt and the municipality is now taking steps to switch off resident’s electricity who owes the municipality money.
Those who are connected illegally will be completely cut off.
Before non-payers could be re-connected they would have to pay a R750 fee.
Those who are unable to settle their accounts are encouraged to make an arrangement with the municipality.
