Accurate electricity readings vs vandalism
Emalahleni Local Municipality informed WITBANK NEWS that the welded power boxes are to prevent theft and vandalism of infrastructure.
Klipfontein residents have expressed their growing concerns over the welded power boxes by Emalahleni Local Municipality.
Residents have alleged that after municipal workers welded their power boxes, they have since experienced an increase in their monthly bills.
A resident who wished to remain anonymous explained that the elderly in the neighbourhood could not afford the increased bill.
“The problem is, we now get an estimated reading every month. The power has now gone up from July 1. One day they opened that power box to take readings, and now we are fined for using too much power, and we have to pay the new increased price,” a resident cried.
He said that he had brought it to the members of the council’s attention twice, and no response was given.
Ward 33 Clr Kim Faduk explained that the welded power boxes are more of a solution than a problem, as they prevent vandalism and infrastructure damage.
She also emphasised that illegal connections are a problem and are constantly reported for action and investigation.
“The substations are the council’s property, and I have informed residents that they will be fined over R8 000 should they attempt to tamper with it. They are prohibited from even opening the boxes.
If they have any queries regarding their bills, they are more than welcome to approach the council for more information and clarity,” Faduk said.
She also outlined that the technical services and the meter readers have a schedule of dates for the list of all the welded kiosks.
” On the day of meter reading they go together, cut it open and after completion they weld them again. The cost of vandalism is contributing to the huge losses suffered by council,” Faduk ended.
Emalahleni Local Municipality spokesperson, Lebo Mofokeng, outlined that as part of the credit control processes, the boxes left unattended in eMalahleni are often tampered with.
“Because it is municipal property, we have opted to weld them to protect them from damage and vandalism.”
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